The batch of 14 MSc and Ph.D scholars at the St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, led by Dr Mark Kirton from the Institute of International Relations at the Universitywere on a scheduled tour of Guyana, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. Their meeting with the president and finance minister was part of their agenda which included sessions with decision-makers and stakeholders.
In an interview with GINA, Dr Kirton said the initiative aims at adding a new dimension to the wealth of knowledge garnered within the classroom. “The students themselves were able to get from the representatives of the state, their own views on what development efforts are doing, what are some of the challenges, where the new political arrangements may be open for new types of discussion,” he said.
This has been the fifth such tour sponsored by the university, with Kirton adding that he was pleased with the way in which the Guyana Government was accommodating and gracious throughout the process.
Team-member Nia Naran said she found the discussions on security and the drug problem most interesting including the Guyana Govern-ment’s policy on diplomacy within Caricom and Latin America.
Dr Singh also spoke on Guyana’s Low Carbon Deve-lopment Strategy (LCDS) model with the group. In response, Gwendolene Roberts said the discussion session brought clarity and focus to the Guyana Government’s plans during its term in office.
“I liked Dr. Luncheon’s answers to several of the questions. They were very to the point and you got a sense that they (Government) are in control of what issues that are impacting the government at present and it’s very encouraging as a young scholar coming up to see that this is the level of professionalism that exists in the region.” Another scholar, Juval Daniel, who is visiting Guyana for the first time, said he found the engagement helpful in bringing a new perspective to his academic pursuit.
GINA said the tour included visits to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. The tour ended yesterday. According to the release, two years ago a batch on a similar tour met former President Bharrat Jagdeo, prior to meetings with stakeholders in Guyana’s mining, private sectors and the Caricom Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED). Tours were done at quarry operations in the Essequibo River. Jagdeo was also a guest lecturer at a special symposium held by the St Augustine Campus in June 2011, following an invitation from its Principal, Professor Clement Sankat.
