Protest at UTech after remains believed to be Anisa Dilworth were found

This morning a protest was staged at the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech) by staff and students over the death of fellow student Anisa Dilworth whose skeletal remains they believe were found on Saturday.

Dilworth, a first-year Pharmaceutical Technology student at the university, went missing almost two weeks ago.

Skeletal remains believed to be hers were discovered on Saturday.

Police reports are that about 11:30 a.m. they were alerted to the discovery of human skeletal remains on a beach in Portmore, St Catherine, and went to investigate.

While formal identification is awaiting results from forensic analysis, the investigators believe the remains belong to Anisa based on evidence found at the scene.

The protest was organised UTech's student union.

It's president, Percival Roberts, says the protest was necessary to bring awareness and inspire swift action against anyone responsible.

"We believe it is our duty as students to stand in solidarity for our students. It was up to us to ensure that this did not die down," he said.

"We had to ensure we did this to honour Anisa and also in honour of end violence against women," he said.

A driver with ride-sharing service inDrive has been taken into custody and is facing questioning.

Head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Superintendent Mark Harris, told The STAR last week that the ride-share driver was taken into custody on May 10.

But no charges have been laid against him, as he continues to face questions from investigators.

The police told The Gleaner that they are seeking another person for questioning, but did not provide any information on that individual.

UTech Principal, Dr Kevin Smith, said the incident has left the university community traumatised.

"No principal or president expects to face a scenario where we've lost a student under such tragic circumstances. We are in pain, we are in mourning. Many of our staff are deeply distressed, and our students are completely distraught."

Meanwhile, Principal of the University of the West Indies, Professor Densil Williams, joined the protest in solidarity with UTech.

He called for a return to a national values and attitudes programme.

"Leaders must now appreciate the importance of values and attitudes. We have to return to a time when we were our brother's keeper--when the community looked out for everyone's safety," he said.

- Sashana Small

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