St Vincent Times understands that a formal petition will be submitted to the government requesting an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the operations, financial management, and statutory compliance of Desh Bhagat University operating in St Vincent.
Central to the petition seen by the St Vincent Times are claims of systemic financial mismanagement that may constitute a breach of contract with both employees and external vendors. The institution is alleged to be in substantial arrears, with hostel bills, utility costs, and workers’ wages remaining unpaid. This reported failure to disburse salaries has already prompted the resignation of key academic and administrative personnel, including lecturers, the university Registrar, and the Outreach Manager, according to sources.
The financial disputes extend beyond internal staff. Former employees, landlords, and external service providers are actively pursuing outstanding payments, raising the risk of civil litigation and creating mounting tension around the institution. Furthermore, the petition cites allegations of discriminatory and disrespectful treatment directed at local staff members.
The document outlines conditions that raise serious health, safety, and liability concerns regarding the university’s duty of care toward its student body.
According to those who signed the petition, despite the continued collection of tuition and accommodation fees, students have allegedly been subjected to substandard living environments characterized by interruptions to essential electricity and water services. Students have also reportedly filed complaints regarding unreasonable delays in the issuance of official academic transcripts and other critical documentation.
The petition highlights significant regulatory and compliance risks regarding the legal status of the student body. Concerns have been formally raised that students applying for extensions of stay may be engaging in unauthorized employment without the requisite work permits. Petitioners will urged the authorities to scrutinize these activities to ensure strict compliance with the immigration and labor laws of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
To mitigate these operational liabilities, the petitioners say they will formally request that the Ministry of Education, the Labour Department, the Immigration Department, and other relevant state authorities initiate a comprehensive inquiry. The explicit objective of this investigation is to ensure that all applicable laws are enforced, students are adequately protected, and employees are treated equitably.
While the petition acknowledges Desh Bhagat University’s potential to positively impact the region’s higher education sector, it emphasizes that if these allegations are substantiated through investigation, immediate corrective actions must be legally mandated to safeguard the interests of students, faculty, and the public.