University of Guyana Pro Chancellor Dr Prem Misir greets President Donald Ramotar on his arrival for UG’s 46th Convocation
President Donald Ramotar on Saturday said the government remains committed to modernising the University of Guyana (UG), but emphasised the importance of the private sector’s involvement in the process.
Addressing the university’s 46th convocation, Ramotar said at the inauguration of the university in 1963, the private sector played a crucial role in its development, alluding to the British Guiana Rice Marketing Board, an entity which pumped thousands of dollars into the development of the university at the time.
The president said the path laid in 1963 by the private sector must be maintained, as he encouraged entities to offer more scholarships for students desirous of attending the university.
He noted that the private sector benefits tremendously from the university, pointing out that it produces qualified persons to fill the skills demand gap.
Even as he admonished the private sector to be more supportive, President Ramotar said his government will continue to offer its support in the development of the university, despite its limited resources.
Government in the 2012 National Budget allocated some Gy$900 million to the university, in addition to the Gy$450 million it provided in student loans through the Finance Ministry.
Ramotar disclosed that a whopping Gy$2 billion will be injected into the university to facilitate a science and technology programme that would aid in the transformation of the science curriculum and the modernisation of the various laboratories within the science and technology faculties.
“Through the government of Guyana, the Caribbean Development Bank has provided US$250,000 to UG to institute a modern regulatory and operational framework consistent with contemporary universities.
“Consultants will be meeting with the university this month to present assessments and proposals,” the head of state said as he unveiled the many plans his administration has in store for the country’s premier tertiary institution.
Explore other areas of funding
He said despite the magnitude of investment, there still remains the need for more resources, positing that UG can explore other avenues to acquiring much needed funds.
The president said this level of collaboration is necessary for the university to be among the top ranking tertiary institutions in the world. “We are prepared to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the University of Guyana is transformed into a world-class academic institution.”
According to Ramotar, the disciplines of the world are rapidly changing and demand increasing for university graduates, and in Guyana, there is no exception.
Outstanding students
- Some of the staff members of the Queens Atlantic Group of Companies who graduated on Saturday at the University of Guyana. From left: Rehana Ramcharan – Diploma in Marketing; Lakshmi Shiwnandan – Master’s Degree in Business Administration; Carl Croker – Diploma in Communication; and Carol Ann Marie Lam – Associate Degree in Pharmacy. Also graduating were Muneshwarie Jailall – Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Sabatini Daniels – Diploma in Communication.
