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The University of Guyana launched the 2024/2025 academic year with a week of orientation events, culminating in a vibrant formal opening ceremony on Friday. This year, the University anticipates welcoming over 3,500 new students, adding to the existing 8,000+ students enrolled in various academic programs.

The new Multipurpose Auditorium at the Turkeyen Campus was the focal point for the formal opening and faculty introductions. Friday’s activities began with an open campus event, offering students and their families the chance to meet faculty, staff, and peers, explore the campus, engage with student clubs and societies, and enjoy various festive activities.

The day continued with a Ceremonial Opening, featuring addresses from senior university officials including Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Acting Deputy Registrar Dr. Daniella King, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement Professor Emanuel Cummings, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin. The ceremony also highlighted cultural performances by the university’s talent ambassadors and other top performers.

Orientation sessions for new students at all campuses—Turkeyen, Berbice, and the IDCE Regional Campuses—took place from August 26-30, with additional sessions planned for September 12-13 for continuing students. These orientations are designed to provide a thorough introduction to the University’s systems, policies, and resources, aiding students in their transition to academic life.

Classes for most new and returning undergraduate students are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 2, 2024. Registration remains open for students who have applied but have not yet confirmed their placement, as well as for continuing students. The University offers three modes of attendance: face-to-face, online, and blended learning formats, tailored to individual programs, students’ locations, and specific circumstances such as work commitments or disabilities.

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With profound sadness, the family of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal on Friday announced his serene passing . Sir Shridath departed this world earlier in the day as he had lived—surrounded by family, and with grace.

Born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), Sir Shridath Ramphal was not merely a figure of remarkable achievement but a symbol of enduring hope and unity for the Commonwealth and the Caribbean. His journey began in the humble surroundings of his hometown and evolved into a global odyssey marked by compassion, wisdom, and tireless service.

Educated at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, Sir Shridath’s intellect was matched only by his deep commitment to justice and equity. His life was shared with Lady Lois Ramphal, his beloved wife of 67 years, whose passing on September 20, 2019, left a void in his heart that he carried with dignity.

Sir Shridath’s career was a tapestry of significant roles: he served as Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. His leadership extended to academia, where he was Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University.

He was the sole individual to serve on all the Global Commissions that crafted pivotal reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995. His 1992 report as Chairman of the West Indian Commission, “Time for Action,” continues to inspire and guide Caribbean development.

Sir Shridath’s influence transcended borders. As President of the World Conservation Union, Special Adviser to the UN Conference on Environment and Development, and Chief Negotiator for the Caribbean on External Economic Relations, his impact was global. His role in mediating elections and constitutional crises further underscored his dedication to peace and justice.

His tenure as the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990 was marked by his unwavering fight against institutional racism in Southern Africa, playing a crucial role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela once praised him, saying, “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.”

Even in his later years, Sir Shridath’s spirit remained indomitable. At 92, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made history as the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, representing Guyana in a critical border dispute with Venezuela.

Throughout his illustrious life, Sir Shridath was honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), the Order of Excellence of Guyana (OE), the Order of Merit of Jamaica (OM), the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo from South Africa, Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), and New Zealand’s highest civil honor, the Order of New Zealand.

Sir Shridath Ramphal’s legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to humanity and diplomacy. His life was a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of unwavering commitment to justice and peace. As we remember him, we honor not just his achievements but the warmth and compassion with which he touched the lives of many. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew him and in the enduring impact of his work.

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General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

The general secretary highlighted several elements of the government’s vision for nationwide prosperity during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.

“We have clearly outlined that we see a country that is united and prosperous…that all of our people, regardless of their race, religion or gender, can benefit from high quality services offered by the state and that they can benefit from growing opportunities provided by the state,” he explained.

He believes that the PPP/C government has demonstrated its dedication and ability to implement policies that support this vision.

“It’s easy to come up with a set of slogans, but it is hard to define a vision and then work in …times of scarce resources and times of plentiful resources to have the discipline to stay the course over the long period to achieve the vision,” Dr Jagdeo expressed.

He emphasised that the economic vision is to ensure that the country’s resources are managed in a way that promotes sustainability. To achieve this, the government has been investing in long-term programmes and projects, which include mega infrastructural development ventures.

“In terms of social benefits and assistance to people, we believe that we can transfer wealth in a manner that creates a better quality of life for our people, and prepares them for a better future through more education. That is why we are investing tens of billions of dollars in education now,”

The budget for the education sector, he noted, has grown from $53 billion when the government assumed office to $135 billion, reflecting a 160 per cent increase, and a strong keenness to boosting the sector.

Key initiatives such as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), TVET programmes, the construction of new schools and enhancement of existing ones also reflect this dedication.

This vision was outlined in the PPP/C’s 2020 manifesto, and 90 per cent of the promises enshrined in that document have been fulfilled, according to Dr Jagdeo. These include:

*An increase in disposable income in the public sector by $90 billion.

* Delivery of over 33,000 house lots.

* Provision of government scholarships to 50,000 persons.

* Doubling of the old-age pension.

* Restoration and expansion of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for all school children.

* Restoration of the Joint Services bonus.

* Reversal of over 200 taxes and fees.

* Implementation of a comprehensive infrastructure plan, including 140 kilometers of four-lane roads and over 400 bridges.

* Stimulating non-oil investments and removing taxes on private healthcare and education

Other aspects of this ethos include ensuring that there is a free media, an independent judiciary, and constitutional protection of the rights of the people.

The opposition political parties will continue, Dr Jagdeo asserted, to be short-sighted and engage in their usual anti-development politics which remains a threat to the forward movement, and modernisation of Guyana. [DPI]

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