The University of Guyana Foundation (UGF) in collaboration with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has launched a limited edition rum, blended exclusively by DDL in celebration of the University of Guyana’s 60th anniversary and to raise funds for the institution.
The launch was held at the Black Magenta, on the Ground Floor of the Georgetown Club on Thursday, August 18, 2022.
In a statement, UG noted that it will celebrate 60 years since its establishment on October 3, 2023, and there are 60 activities planned for the year in advance of the diamond anniversary as well as for the year itself.
UGF, the statement noted, was launch-ed in February, 2022, to assist in funding gaps that exist within the university and in creating an endowment for the future.
Towards this end, all proceeds from the sale of the rum will go to the UGF. The funds will then be directed towards four specific activities which fall within the mandate of the Foundation: investing in human capital, creating a green university, modernizing essential systems and services, and accelerating innovation through centres of excellence and research institutes.
Speaking at the launch, University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, though a non-drinker herself, expressed great satisfaction and joy as she uncapped the first bottle of the limited edition rum. “I am accustomed to unboxing books and getting the new scent. As I did so for the rum, I was quite impressed with the packaging and design of this special edition commemorating UG’s 60th anniversary,” she was quoted as saying.
Providing a brief background of the collaboration, the Vice Chancellor noted that the late Dr. Yesu Persaud, former Chairman of DDL, was also the patron of the UGF and was very passionate about seeing the University develop and moving from strength to strength.
Prof. Mohamed-Martin told the audience that the UGF has several chapters in various countries working towards creating an Endowment Fund for the University of Guyana, which will go towards ensuring that students are provided with the necessary facilities and services that will allow them to become the best they can be. The VC pointed out that the funds received from subventions, fees, or gifts are not always predictable; hence the necessary action must be taken to fill the existing gaps.
Prof. Mohamed-Martin noted that the Chancellor of UG, Prof. Edward Greene, has set a very ambitious target of USD 60 million for the UGF to “focus on the building of a state-of-the-art sports facility, to build an auditorium that can house 700 and more people, to start a scholarship programme to increase staff development and capacity building, to assist in rebuilding the heart of the University – the UG library – and several other small infrastructural development projects.”
The Vice Chancellor also thanked the new Chair of DDL Komal Samaroo and his staff, including Marketing Director Sharda Verreen and DDL’s Master brewers, who developed the product.
According to the release, Lennox Caleb Master Distiller at DDL Group of Companies, speaking on behalf of Samaroo, said, “It was an honour for DDL to play such a significant role to kick-off the institution’s UG’s 60th anniversary activities.
Caleb said when DDL and UG Foundation embarked on the partnership for this product, the top minds in DDL, many of whom are graduates of the University, worked diligently on framing the concept, the formulation, the presentation and every aspect of the special edition rum. “We at DDL are proud of this production and offer it as a fitting collector’s item for all alumni proud of their University association. Indeed, alumni can toast and sip this finest limited-edition rum, knowing that all proceeds will benefit the University through donation to the Foundation,” he said.
Co-Convener of the UGF (USA Chapter), Gabe Cunje, who conceived the development of the rum, said he was honored to be giving back to Guyana’s premier tertiary institution – the institution that has produced thousands of leaders and successful experts in multiple disciples around the globe. He indicated that the development took over one year, a year in which he totally enjoyed his work with the Foundation and DDL.
Among the attendees at the launch were United States of America Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller, European Union representative to Guyana Dr. Fernando Ponz Cantó, and other members of the diplomatic corps, UGF Trustees, members of the business community, UG officials, Members of Parliament, well-wishers and staff.
The limited edition rum can be purchased by order through UG’s Campus Store (telephone number 672-0922), DSL stores around the country and at duty-free shops at the airports at a cost of US$100 dollars or GY$22,000 dollars per bottle.
