UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Leads Peaceful Community March to Call for an End to Gender-Based Violence
President, University of Technology, Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown (left, front row) and President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council, Mr. Percival Roberts (third left, front row) lead members of faculty, staff and students of the University of Technology, Jamaica, in a community march on Monday, May 19, 2025 in solidarity with the family of Anisa Dilworth and in a unified call to end gender-based violence. The peaceful protest was sparked by the tragic disappearance of UTech, Jamaica student Anisa Dilworth whose suspected remains were discovered by law enforcement on Saturday, May 17.
The march began at the College of Health Sciences where Anisa was a first-year pharmacology student and proceeded to Gordon Town, Papine. Joining the protest were Anisa’s father, Everton Dilworth, and other members of her family.
The University of Technology, Jamaica Students’ Union Council on Monday, May 19, 2025, led a peaceful community march to protest violence against women and to advocate for greater protection. The initiative brought together students and staff of the university alongside the family of Anisa Dilworth, 20-year-old UTech, Jamaica student whose suspected remains were discovered on Saturday, May 17 in Portmore, St. Catherine. She had been reported missing by her family since May 6, 2025. The march proceeded from the University’s Papine Campus to the Gordon Town community where Anisa resided, uniting participants in a powerful call for justice and change.
Mrs. Carrol Richards (2nd right), University of Technology, Jamaica Chaplain, offers words of support and a prayer ahead of the UTech, Jamaica Students' Union led march on Monday, May 19, 2025. Pictured from left are Mr. Everton Dilworth (left), father of Anisa Dilworth, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, and Mr. Percival Roberts, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, shared heartfelt remarks during the march. “Since I got the news, my heart has been broken,” he said. “As a university, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Dilworth, his family, and Anisa’s friends.” He reassured the UTech, Jamaica community of the institution’s ongoing support, adding, “We are here to support you with counselling and chaplaincy services.”
Dr. Brown reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student safety and acknowledged the need to explore ways to better protect students beyond the campus. He welcomed suggestions from the community, including the possibility of restoring a shuttle service to escort students home. “Out of this very tragic situation, we want to ensure that lessons are learnt, and we want to look at how we can better protect our students,” Dr. Brown stated. The President also made a broader appeal to society, calling on men to take responsibility in protecting women.
Percival Roberts, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council, expressed solidarity with the family of Anisa Dilworth, stating, “Today, we are standing with the family of Anisa Dilworth in our march to end violence against women.”
“I think it’s crucial in Jamaica that we as a people take action against this [gender-based violence]. I’ve been hearing about end violence against women since I was a child and it’s still prevalent in our society. We as citizens need to take action and we need to call on different agencies to infringe strict measures on the perpetrators of these acts,” he said.
Anisa’s father, Everton Dilworth, reflected on cherished memories with his daughter, recalling moments they shared throughout her academic journey. “I remember attending her sports days, PTA meetings, and studying with her through GSAT, CXC, and CAPE. Recently, I even asked her to send me one of her calculus papers,” he shared.
Struggling to process the loss, he added, “It’s hard to contain. I’m still in disbelief, still in shock. I can’t imagine the pain she went through. Words cannot explain.”
Mr. Dilworth extended heartfelt thanks to his family, the security forces, and the UTech, Jamaica community for their support and prayers during this difficult time. He concluded with a call to end to violence against women, children and men.
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm