This is the first time in its 37-year history that a senior staff has taken the university to court on the grounds of discrimination. The Berbice director in his affidavit states four acts of discrimination. Dr. Thakur said he was physically threatened by a senior staff from Turkeyen in his office; is being denied his transportation facilities while his subordinate staff is allowed same; his administration of the affairs of the Berbice campus is overridden to the point where he has no authority; and the dismissal of his wife was arbitrary. The Berbice director is also seeking an injunction restraining the office of the Vice-Chancellor from proceeding with the appointment of a new director until the case of discrimination is determined.

The university at Turkeyen advertised the position of the Berbice director and advised Professor Thakur that he could apply for the job if he wanted to, but the procedure was to open the position to other applicants. UG lecturer, Freddie Kissoon, told the Chronicle this is unusual and Dr. Thakur should take his case to the Ethnic Relations Commission. Kissoon said this is blatant discrimination since no other positions have been advertised. Kissoon said that in November the Registrar’s contract was up, and it wasn’t advertised. He also told the Chronicle that the Vice-Chancellor’s contract is up, too, yet the position has not been publicized. He said there are many others like that.