87% of $100M Natural Resources Ministry-funded UG grant spent

…GGMC retained $45M

The University of Guyana’s (UG) Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin has revealed that 87 per cent of a $100 million Natural Resources Ministry-funded grant was expended with the remaining funds is expected to be used up by July. Under the objectives of this grant, was to assist in geological engineering and mining engineering programmes.
The topic of funding expenditure regarding one of the premiere learning institution’s largest ever allocation came up at the University’s recent media engagement at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, where the UG’s administration defended its management operations. UG received a $100 million grant from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) through the Natural Resources Ministry last year, from which $45 million GGMC retained for equipment purchased that is on its way for the Faculty of Technology to utilise. Another $55 million was handed over for the University to expend at other faculties.
“$18 million was given to the different faculties ($2 million each) and we would

have seen all of those monies disbursed. Most of them bought computers, equipment and supplies that were needed for the faculties,” Professor Mohamed-Martin said.
The official further stated that $10 million each was spent for marketing outreach and training. “I think based on the last report that we got, 87 per cent of the fund has been exhausted, and we have one more month to go,” she disclosed.
Last year, it was announced that the Faculty of Technology would benefit from supporting programmes, research and scholarships. It was expected that the geological laboratory would be re-tooled and equipped. It was also hoped that there would have had focus on providing laboratory services in the mining sector. Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith stressed that more financial input is needed from Government and Private Sector industries in the oil and gas area. He explained that there have been consultations with the Natural Resources Ministry and other stakeholders on advancing UG’s progress to this end.
He explained that a $100 million grant has not only benefited the engineering department but will take into consideration that engineering and oil and gas relate to other programmes under the Social Sciences and Earth and Environmental Sciences departments.
Observers had long called on the University to include programmes that focus on the energy sector but in 2016, a year after the oil discovery was made, UG disclosed that it was nowhere near offering such electives.