A recent fundraising trip to New York by a University of Guyana (UG) delegation secured $2,019,950 in contributions against $4,366,024 in expenditure on airfare and accommodation.
During the period of September 1 to September 6, 2016, UG Vice-Chancellor (VC) Ivelaw Griffith led a delegation of 13 individuals, consisting of administrative and academic staff and a student government executive to New York, as part of the university’s efforts to “cultivate ambassadors.”
The trip, which was initiated in response to an invitation from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. to fund- and friend-raise at the Association’s 2016 Labour Day Weekend events, was hailed a success by Griffith upon his return in early October.
“The Renaissance weekend in New York has set the stage for considerable financial, human capital, and technical assistance to our university by providing structure to Guyanese and other nationals in the diaspora to support critical areas of need,” Griffith had stated at a press conference.
At that time, financial information on the trip was not yet available but it was explained that fundraising was done through events such as the ‘Vice-Chancellor’s New York Area Support Group Fundraising Reception’ and the Guyana Cultural Association of New York’s Folk Festival and Family Fun Day, during which times the delegation benefited from the sales of UG t-shirts and the Vice-Chancellor’s inaugural newsletter, ‘Renaissance.’
In response to a request from Stabroek News, the VC provided the details of income and expenditure last week even as he stressed that the aim of the trip was not merely to raise money, so the return on the investment should not be viewed purely in financial cost-benefit terms.
One of the objectives, he explained, was to facilitate tangible “diaspora support engagement” in four critical academic areas: technology, health sciences, natural sciences and law.
This is a reiteration of comments made at last month’s press conference, where he said that aside from financial contributions the group was able to procure commitments and shows of interest from persons in the diaspora who are willing to dedicate their time to the university, such as through teaching and serving as external examiners.
The team spent $2,989,564 on air travel, $56,000 on airport tax and $1,320,460 on other costs, inclusive of accommodation and meals.
According to information from the VC, efforts to control expenditure included five of the 13 members being hosted by families or UG Ambassadors, thus saving hotel costs as well as one member [Dr. Paloma Mohamed] covering all her own expenses. Additionally, all transportation costs within New York and New Jersey were underwritten by UG Ambassadors in those states.
