This week we asked attendees at a University of Guyana event to commemorate the university’s 50th anniversary for their thoughts on this milestone.
Joseph Holder, Former Student – `I am happy that the University of Guyana has survived for such a long time and there are indications that UG will continue to survive. The university plays a critical part in the development of society. I see the University expanding and providing more courses in the near future.’
Bonita Hunter, Former Student – `The University has made me who I am. The passage of time is inevitable. The University has grown from strength to strength and many personalities have emerged from this university. I strongly believe it is compatible with other international universities. In the future we are going to double up on all the achievements we have so far. We must celebrate what we have.’
Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Former Student – `It is a memorable occasion, we have seen a lot of negatives at the University but there are a lot of positives as well especially in relation to the performance of students. I see the future of the University as being bright and upbeat. There are dedicated people here and we will identify and fix problems. We will have to be global in our thinking.’
Paloma Mohammed, Former Student and now Dean– `It is a very important moment to look back and see what has worked and what didn’t so we can fix problems. It is an evaluation period and we do need to change some things and we might probably not have a University in the near future. The University of Guyana needs both human and financial resources, urgently in order for us just to survive.’
Samuel Goolsarran, Former Student – `It’s quite an achievement. Many persons have been educated by the University of Guyana. We hope to keep it going and regain its glory days. The University of Guyana needs to be properly restored, we are taken up with low cost at the expense of the resources. If they want to provide free education, they should provide resources. Why should taxpayers be paying for people to go
abroad after they have finished studying? If so they should pay their fees. No student should be denied an education because of lack of resources. I hope to see the University develop itself and overcome the problems faced.’
Sister Mary Noel Menezes, Former Student and lecturer– `The University has come a long way and there are pluses and minuses. There is a lack of excellent staff and I believe this is because of poor remuneration, they can’t live on their salary so they go abroad because they are well there. It breaks my heart when I think of what we have lost and the University should look into that. Lecturers should be well prepared. In order for the University to survive in the future we have to extract excellent teachers.’
Navin Chandarpal, Former Student– `This anniversary is of a significant nature. I look forward to sober reflections with the object to advance the University of Guyana. To do whatever is possible to correct the areas that need to be corrected. I am very optimistic about the future. Once we work together, we can look forward to seeing a very bright future.’
Volda Elliot, Former Student – `Based on their experience back then when the University was established, they still have a long way to go. For example, when it comes to resources, lecturers have to bring their own books to teach. There is not enough resources at the library to support studies. I believe this era can be linked to 50 years ago. In a few years, persons can expect to see a wider range of courses offered and more international students on campus. We should be able to make a break into the international market.’
Godryne Wintz, Former Student- `It is a great achievement to celebrate 50 years. We are still producing academics despite all the constraints we are having, we are still very strong as an institution. We need to take time off and check to see how we can improve. If we are all committed as a nation, I can see the University moving forward.’
Malcolm De Freitas, Former Student– `It is a good idea to recognize the achievement. For the future we hope to define the needs of the society and see how best the University can be fulfilled. I hope it will be more technologically advanced.’
