Antiguan Students Among Those Affected as UWI Cave Hill Shuttle Crisis Deepens

Antiguan and Barbudan students studying at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados are among those impacted by an ongoing transportation crisis that has sparked growing frustration across the student body and raised the possibility of protest action in the coming days.

The Guild of Students has warned that patience is wearing thin as repeated efforts to resolve issues surrounding the campus shuttle service have yet to produce a meaningful solution. The disruption, which has persisted throughout March, has left many students struggling to move safely between classes, residences and off-campus accommodations.

Although the problem affects students broadly, the situation has proven especially challenging for regional students, including those from Antigua and Barbuda, many of whom depend heavily on the campus shuttle due to limited access to private transportation and unfamiliarity with local routes.

According to the Guild, the matter was first formally raised on March 6 during a meeting with senior university officials, including representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Campus Security and Accommodation Services. Feedback gathered from students through a poll highlighted significant safety concerns, particularly for those travelling late at night.

One of the administration’s responses that drew criticism from students was a suggestion that “sleeping bags” could be made available for those unable to return home because of limited shuttle availability. Officials also cited concerns about ensuring the safety of security officers working extended hours.

Further discussions continued on March 10 when the Guild’s Commuters’ Representative engaged the Office of Student Services and Development seeking clarification on why only one shuttle bus remained operational. However, the Guild says students have yet to receive a clear update on when normal service might resume.

The situation escalated on March 14 after the Guild’s President wrote to the Deputy Principal outlining growing concerns about the university’s handling of the matter. In a response dated March 16, the administration pointed to staff illness and financial constraints as key factors behind the reduced service.

Later that same day, the Guild convened an emergency meeting and agreed to take the issue public. A formal letter was subsequently sent to regional media outlets on March 23 in an effort to bring wider attention to the situation.

Attempts to arrange additional dialogue have since stalled. A meeting requested for March 20 could not be facilitated due to the Deputy Principal’s travel schedule, while a follow-up meeting with the Registrar’s Office has yet to be confirmed.

The Guild has rejected the administration’s position that the shuttle service is merely supplementary, arguing instead that it is essential to student safety, access to classes and participation in campus life, particularly for regional students studying away from home.

Recommendations put forward by the Guild include the introduction of temporary alternative transportation, increased security patrols for affected commuters, clearer communication about shuttle operations and the temporary use of hybrid learning options while the issue remains unresolved.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the Guild says it remains committed to advocating for students and has indicated that continued inaction could result in demonstrations if urgent steps are not taken.