The University of Guyana (UG) on Thursday kickstarted its 58th convocation ceremony with the largest batch of students to ever graduate from the prestigious institution – more than 3500.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his remarks, pledged support for the graduands, noting that they are the backbone of Guyana’s new economy and urged them to solidify their space in society by bringing fresh ideas to the table.
According to the Head of State, Guyana’s economy is modernising, diversifying, and expanding at a rate never seen before, opening up chances for everyone to participate. However, he noted that innovative minds would propel the nation further.
With this in mind, Ali told the gathering that their skills were needed, highlighting that the graduands are the backbone of the nation and hope for a better and sustainable future.
“We need you to be audacious and for you to bring fresh ideas to the table. As we look to 2030 and beyond, our vision for Guyana demands more than just economic growth. It demands shared prosperity, inclusion and sustainability…We need all of you, whatever your field, whatever your discipline, to play your part,” the Head of State said, adding “the golden age of Guyana is within reach, but it is you, our graduates, who will take the controls and help steer us there. You’re the ones that we’re counting on to be the cockpit of this great transformation. You’re the ones we’re counting on to make the dream of shared prosperity a reality. We have high expectations for you and we know they’re not misplaced. You’ve shown by reaching this point that you have what it takes,” Ali said.
Professor John Edward Greene
According to President Ali, the graduands’ experience at the University of Guyana has given them a strong foundation, as well as knowledge and skills. He emphasised that education is the secret to opening the door to success.
On this point, he urged them to step forward into new challenges and new opportunities, with passion and an innovative spirit at the forefront.
Ali encouraged them to let their determination and drive lay a foundation for Guyana that can stand tall among the best in the world.
“The oil and gas sector just a few years ago, a distant dream, is now a force that is helping to propel our development. We’re solidifying an industrial base, investing in manufacturing and services and creating new opportunities in non-traditional sectors like tourism, innovation, digitisation. This is not just progress, it is structural transformation that will shape the lives of every Guyanese, every citizen for generations to come. In this new Guyana, we need all hands on deck. We need you, our qualified graduates, to be the builders of this new economy”.
He stated: “As you leave here, take pride not only in what you’ve achieved, but in what you’re about to do. This is a moment of enormous promise for Guyana and you are the heart of it. Know that our country believes in you and has great faith in your ability to lead us forward.”
Ali also encouraged the new graduands to continue furthering their studies until they are awarded master’s and PhDs. He noted that the Government’s loan write-off initiative will play a crucial role in this process.
“As you step out into this new chapter, I urge you to make the most of what the future holds. Those who will follow in their footsteps, thousands more who will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and aspire will do so thanks to the free education of the University of Guyana. And you too will benefit from a complete write-off of your tuition fee, the loan write-off.
“This free education is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Guyanese have access to world-class education and every Guyanese must have an equal opportunity of earning a degree, a diploma, or a certificate from the University of Guyana. The commitment of free education is not an end in itself. It is the vehicle through which we open doors and expand access for all, but with a resolve to set world-class standards in tertiary education,” the President said.
Binding responsibilities
Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand stated that she believes the graduands’ achievements will encourage them to produce more in their respective fields.
She said that the goals and expectations for the growth of this relatively young country through the calibre of the people it produces shaped the institutional architecture of UG.
“As you now take your place among the thousands who have successfully emerged, we can only hope that you will fully internalise and appreciate the binding responsibilities you now take on as children of Guyana’s soil,” Manickchand noted.
“As you now look across our highly diverse and complex landscape, I fully expect that you will do so through a different lens from when you entered. You are now charged with being problem solvers. The cohort of intrepid, critical-minded trailblazers ushering in a new era of prosperity.”
Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor John Edward Greene shared similar sentiments, highlighting that Guyanese were becoming specialist in the fields of engineering, agriculture, forestry and environmental science, among others.
“Your skills are relevant to the development of Guyana and the Caricom region in high demand. Our engineers, especially in this new oil and gas economy, are prime examples. Another group is identified with UG’s Institute of Research and Innovation and Entrepreneurship and it is important to note that at their exhibition a couple of months ago that institute demonstrated the vitality of the University of Guyana’s research programmes and this catapults the university in the global arena,” he noted.
The 2024 convocation ceremonies for graduates of the University’s Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown Campus started on Thursday and will conclude Saturday, November 9.
So far, the ceremonies have been blended, with a large majority of the graduates attending face-to-face and the remaining participating virtually. (G1)
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