Buchanan calls on Grange, police to act after alleged rape of CASE student

Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern, Isat Buchanan, has called on Gender Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange to directly engage with students and the administration at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) following the alleged rape of a student.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Buchanan condemned the incident, saying it was deeply concerning”.

The rape reportedly occurred after the student exited a taxi and proceeded onto the Portland-based campus on Sunday.

“Sexual violence represents a serious violation of human rights and must be met with decisive, transparent, and compassionate action,” Buchanan said.

He specifically urged Minister Grange to "become directly engaged in this matter" to support the survivor and coordinate solutions.

"I believe it is critical that the minister meets with students, student leadership, and the school’s administration to support the survivor, listen to the concerns raised, and assist in coordinating sustainable solutions to the issues identified," he said. “Our young people deserve safe learning environments where their dignity and security are protected,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan also appealed to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to provide timely updates on the investigation to the institution through recognized student bodies, while safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the survivor.

He called on campus security, transport regulators, and social support agencies to urgently address safety concerns, noting that the recent student protest highlighted long-standing issues around campus access, lighting, on-campus and off-campus shuttling, and student welfare.

Yesterday, CASE President Dr Derrick Deslandes outlined vulnerabilities that have long plagued the Portland-based institution, including a lack of perimeter fencing and insufficient professional security.

The alleged attack occurred amid heightened concerns raised by students, who protested on Tuesday at both the East and West campuses.

Deslandes said the institution has attempted to fill the security gap by hiring 12 contract personnel at its own expense but acknowledged this remains insufficient. He further highlighted that watchmen and gatemen currently on duty lack basic defensive tools, and the campus can be accessed through a tunnel under the train tracks.

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