29th October, 2024

Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine

Campus Principal

Professor Indar Ramnarine,

Deputy Principal

Professor Bhesham Ramlal,

Dean,

Faculty of Engineering,

Professor Hazi Azamathulla,

Head of Department

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty of Engineering.

University of the West Indies

St Augustine

Re: Intervention to Retain Dr. Aaron Chadee – Faculty of Engineering

Dear Professors,

We, the undersigned undergraduate students of the Faculty of Engineering, are writing to express our deep concern about the issues experienced by Dr. Aaron Chadee regarding his placement within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. We are unclear about the nature of these specific problems, but it was circulated that he had resigned. Upon contacting Dr Chadee, he declared that the rumor is confounded, however, he has limited his availability due to unresolved administrative issues.

Dr. Chadee is an excellent lecturer, continuously supporting our academic and professional growth. We have noted his open-door policy and approachable nature to each and every student, regardless of creed, race, socioeconomic background, etc and all other inclusive factors. His experience, innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success have made a substantial impact on our educational journey. His absence is felt tremendously, and his departure would not only deprive students of his invaluable knowledge but would also send a disheartening message to the Faculty about the institution’s commitment to excellent teaching. His consistent contributions to research and curriculum development are of immense benefit to the Faculty of Engineering and to the broader university community. Furthermore, he has not only been impactful to the students of the Civil Engineering Department, but across the entire Faculty of Engineering and the University as a whole.

Dr Chadee is one of the only lecturers with a wealth of knowledge across all facets of Civil Engineering due to his decades of practical experience within the civil engineering and construction industry. He has been instrumental in sourcing internships and employment opportunities for undergraduate students, and he is a mentor to many of us. We revere him as engineering is a practical field and he has been crucial in relating the relationship between university classes and the reality of the industry which is essential for producing adept and efficient engineers. He has also significantly impacted the Department by introducing and constantly integrating sustainability and HSSE into his courses. He has even recently produced the course CVNG 1017 – Introduction to Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials and Practices, which shows his exemplary commitment to sustainable engineering which is vital to producing societal, economic and environmental conscious engineers. Moreover, he is fundamental for our understanding of engineering ethics and professionalism as he is the only lecturer teaching these topics through his courses.

Therefore, we, the undergraduate students, respectfully request that the issues between him and the University be reviewed and any issues that might threaten his continued presence in the Faculty of Engineering be addressed immediately. The continuity of his presence in the Faculty is essential to uphold the high standards of education that the University of the West Indies promises to deliver.

We trust that you will consider this matter with urgency and fairness.

Yours sincerely,

Undergraduate Students

Faculty of Engineering