Bain’s Fate & UWI’s Shame

Recently, Northern Caribbean University (NCU) came under heavy criticism for suspending an alleged lesbian from the institution. Fast forward and now the University of the West Indies (UWI) has given Prof. Brendan Bain the boot for voicing a factual statement. On Tuesday, UWI noted that they’d lost confidence in Bain as director of CHART following comments he made against homosexuals in Belize.

What has happened to freedom of speech in the Caribbean? Gone are those days when we could openly express our concerns without fear. I totally disagree with the move by UWI to fire Bain for making a factual statement; it is a fact that risk of HIV/AIDS is higher among men who have sex with men. But obviously, these audacious ‘battymen’ (as they’re affectionately called) have more rights than us ‘straight’ people.

Mind you, I have nothing against homosexuals so long as they’re not ‘sleeping around’ with anyone in my family; however, the problem lies when I’m stifled from openly expressing that the practice is WRONG. Why do gays deem it necessary to get support groups to lobby on their behalf (for freedom of rights) yet when an ordinary ‘straight’ man expresses his annoyance, he’s criticized? In light of this, J-FLAG is calling for the decriminalization of sexual acts between adults of the same sex. Conflict of interest! Freedom of expression is for everyone, you and me so if I’m against something I shouldn’t be prevented from stating such.

I’m rather disappointed in the move that this university which prides itself among the best in the Caribbean has taken. If all UWI lecturers should openly speak out against homosexuality, would admin sack them all and close the institution’s doors? I think its time we as a people take a stand for our rights. I’m yet to see the wrong that Bain has done and the reason behind UWI terminating his role as director. Shame on you, UWI

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