Police called in to investigate theft of equipment, misconduct of staff members at UG

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force has been called in to launch an investigation into the operations of the Centre for Information Technology (CIT) at the University of Guyana.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the University, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Lloyd-Griffith ordered the investigation following the levelling of serious allegations of theft of equipment from the Centre and misconduct of staff members.

“The Manager of the Centre and several employees have been sent on leave, as an interim measure to allow the investigation to proceed without disruption of evidence, and to preserve a safe, orderly, and professional work environment,” the statement said.

It added that a temporary manager has been identified to oversee the operations of the Centre during the conduct of the investigation.

In meeting with the relevant CIT staff and CID officials yesterday, (Monday, April 03, 2017), Vice-Chancellor Griffith voiced his commitment to having the appropriate action taken by the Police after the investigation is completed.

Additionally, the Ministry of Public Telecommunication has been asked to conduct a forensic audit of the CIT operations at the Turkeyen and Berbice campuses and the four centres of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education located at Anna Regina, Georgetown, Linden and New Amsterdam.

The audit begins today, (Tuesday, April 04, 2017).

The presidents of the two university unions and the students’ society, as well as relevant university leaders, were briefed on the development, the Public Relations Officer’s statement said.

The CIT has been allegedly plagued with multiple challenges for some time.