Ninety-four Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) students graduated in various disciplines last Friday as the institution marked its 46th year in existence.
While some students were awarded the Diploma in Agriculture and the Certificate in Agriculture, others secured the Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, the Certificate in Fisheries Studies and the Certificate in Forestry, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Among the 94 graduands, 25 copped higher credits, four got lower credits and one secured a distinction while 34 completed with a pass, but some did not graduate due to indiscipline, GINA stated.
And Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud while congratulating the graduating class of 2010 during his feature address said that a pre-requisite of success is having a functioning and comprehensive agricultural education institute.
It is in this context, he noted, that Guyanese should view the role and importance of the GSA and its growth and contribution; which symbolises the growth in the agriculture sector over the years, since it has been significantly contributing to the region’s intellectual capacity.
A number of new programmes have been added to GSA’s curriculum to widen its reach through investments by government over the years, GINA said.
Persaud noted that students would now be able to access advanced teaching through a more enhanced facility which had not yet been introduced in many other CARICOM states, and he challenged them to become more involved in the country’s drive to accelerate modernisation of the sector.
The minister said that today’s agricultural students although technically versed, often lacked the skill and knowledge required for cohesive thought and critical problem solving.
He also emphasised the importance of support to the implementation of the agricultural component of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
“I urge you to be upbeat about your future and the realisation of our promise as the regional leader in food production. You hold tremendous capacity of transforming our agriculture sector and furthering the region’s food security status,” Persaud was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Lawrence Carrington while delivering the charge to the graduands told them of key points to shaping their lives – taking responsibilities for oneself, being resourceful, innovative and cultivating an entrepreneurship spirit.
While encouraging them to accept responsibilities and to be innovative, Dr. Carrington encouraged them to remain alert.
“Food sources push us to explore aquaculture and to diversify our engagement in animal husbandry to include many species that we have undervalued in our habitual enterprises.
As you cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit recognise that this is not an individual and antisocial pursuit, it is a developmental act with powerful outcomes for your community,” he said.
At the end of the ceremony, Lance Corporal Terrence Morris was awarded as the most outstanding in overall performance in the Diploma in Agriculture; while distinction student Navindra Gossai was awarded for the Certificate in Forestry with the highest average of 82.2 percent, GINA concluded.
