The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 159th batch of graduates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liiliendaal, East Coast Demerara yesterday.
Joining with the class of 2024 to honour their achievements were their families and special invitees who witnessed the 87 graduates receive their diplomas.
In his keynote address to the graduating class, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the vital role that agriculture plays in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food shortages, and economic development specifically in Guyana. The minister also announced a collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture “to transform the Guyana School of Agriculture into a centre of excellence, promoting research and development, fostering innovation, and embracing the digitization of the food system.”
He also told the graduates that Guyana was looking to them to help drive the transformation of the agri-food system.
A number of graduates received special awards including Tina Bhimsain, Raymond Busgith, and Brenon Duncan, who earned distinctions in the Diploma in Agriculture programme. In the Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health programme, Shelby Williams stood out, securing the top spot in multiple categories, including Best Performance in Surgery, Animal Nutrition, Pharmacology, and overall performance in the class. Ronetta Cort and Nalini Seepersaud also excelled in Veterinary Pathology and Animal Breeding, respectively.
Meanwhile, for the Certificate in Forestry, Delvin Dyer dominated, receiving awards in six categories, including Best Overall Performance in the Forestry Class. Shania Smith and Angelica Sukhu were also recognized for their outstanding performance in Forest Resource Management and Silviculture, respectively. The Certificate in Agriculture programme also highlighted several students, with Delon Adams and David Cheefoon achieving Higher Credit, among others.
Meanwhile, presenting his report, Chief Executive Officer of GSA Gavindra Ramnarain shared that during the year there were visits from various schools and international universities. Students conducted capital works like barn construction and computer network installation, he added. The livestock and crop farms were productive, supplying the school and external markets. The agro-processing unit developed new products and trained rural communities, he added.
Ramnarain congratulated the graduates saying, “Remember that you are stepping into a field that not only sustains lives, but which shapes the future of our planet. Your education and hard work have equipped you with the knowledge and skills to [conquer] any of the challenges you face in agriculture. To innovate and to lead with integrity and vision, embrace your rules as stewards of our land, champions of sustainability, and advocates of a food secure world.
“The path ahead may be demanding, but your determination and passion will be the seeds of progress for change. Go forth with the commitment to make a difference and inspire others, the future of agriculture lies in your hands.”
The GSA enrolled 106 students across two campuses, with 64 continuing into the second year. The school, led by a board of governors, focused on staff development, including training on food safety, climate change, and drone technology.
Also present at the graduation ceremony were Director General of the Ministry Madanlall Ramraj and CEO of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute Jagnarine Singh.
