The University of Guyana (UG) is hosting a series of actions in support of Guyana’s security personnel and in solidarity with what it refers to as “Guyana’s right to peace within its own borders,” a release from the university stated on Friday.
As such, UG is encouraging its graduates and persons attending any of its seven graduation ceremonies being held from November 9 to 18, to wear ribbons in the colours of the flag of Guyana in solidarity with the national and international calls for peace and respect for international law.
According to the release, the university is also calling for respect and support for Guyana’s men and women in uniform who are the first responders and protectors in all matters of national safety and security – from civilian skirmishes, and national emergencies such as floods to military matters such as protecting our borders and repelling other illegal activity in the country.
At the Live to Influence Conference held in Georgetown, UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, projected the university’s call for an end to “disparaging remarks and abusive comments” about Guyana’s combat readiness and personnel, many of whom are UG alumni and present students.
“We may not have the best in the world, but we have the bravest and really, we cannot publicly expect to heap abuses upon the same people we expect to protect us. We must in this time assist them in their work and help bridge the gaps that may exist in their operations. Every citizen has to take on the mindset of a defender. We must replace vengeance with vigilance and prepare rather than fear.”
It was mentioned that UG is currently engaged in producing the first of its successful “Turkeyen and Tain Talks” series since COVID, titled, “Prepare Rather Than Fear – Venezuela’s Illegal Claim and Its Possible Effects.” The event will be held next Monday, November 6, at 4:45 pm at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. A five-person panel will speak on historical treaties, international cases, migration, xenophobia, and Latin populations in Guyana and internal safety. “The Prepare Rather Than Fear” event is free and open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis and will also be live-streamed to the university’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.
UG also disclosed that it is about to retool some of the modules in teaching history for teachers and in its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, to include a sharper focus on territorial matters. It explained that these immediate responses to the emerging situation are in addition to research and policy briefs produced over the years by various departments in the institution.
The release also announced that the University of Guyana celebrates it 60th anniversary this year and will host its diamond anniversary graduation ceremonies next week at which some 3,500 students are expected to graduate. Several other special events will also be held mark the occasion during the celebrations. The public can view the graduation ceremonies live on local and international media and on UG’s Facebook pages, the release added.
