FROM “Little Messiah” to UGBC’s best

– The remarkable rise of Rajendranauth Deonarine

The vast world of chemistry may seem complex to many, but for Rajendranauth Deonarine, it has always felt like home – an endless universe of formulas, reactions, and possibilities waiting to be understood.
Today, after years of disciplined study, unwavering humility, and steadfast perseverance, he stands proudly as the Best Graduating Student of the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus (UGBC), earning a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree with a concentration in Chemistry and a flawless 4.0 GPA.
But behind the accolades is a quiet young man from #70 Village, Corentyne – known by those around him as “Little Messiah” – who never expected such recognition.
Rajendranauth serves as an assistant master at Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, where he balances his love for teaching with his personal passion for learning. For him, choosing the University of Guyana was not simply a matter of convenience – it was purposeful.
“I love Science, especially Chemistry,” he explained. “On the Chemistry side, I wanted that in-depth understanding of the concepts. On the education side, the EDU programme helped me develop the pedagogy, so I can deliver it better to the children.”
He speaks about teaching with the same passion others might reserve for a lifelong dream. His goal is simple: understand deeply so he can teach clearly.
Though his academic performance was exceptional, the road was far from easy. The most challenging part of his degree?
“Academic research was the most difficult,” he admitted. “The entire process is really tough. It was the first big research I ever did. My study was on the impact of multimedia technology on the mole concept.”
The project pushed him to his limits, but it also revealed something essential about him: his ability to lean on his passions during stress.
“I play the drums,” he shared. “When I was having difficulties, I would just play my instrument and then go back to my work.”
For him, the drums were not only a pastime – they were therapy.
Like many students, the transition into university life revealed new strengths.
“All my Science courses and most of what I had to do were face-to-face,” he said. “I love the face-to-face. I prefer it over online.”
His lecturers, he added, were instrumental in guiding him, particularly in the demanding field of science education.
“I must give thanks to all my lecturers because without them, this would not have been possible,” he affirmed. “Without the students of the Faculty of Education and Humanities and the Faculty of Natural Sciences, I would not have been here.”
At the heart of Rajendranauth’s journey is his wife, Naveena Ramlall, whose belief in him never wavered. When he speaks about her, his voice softens.
According to him, his wife has been a constant pillar of strength throughout his academic journey. She is his “go-to person” and his “rock”, always offering encouragement when he needed it most. He noted that when he shared the news of his achievement with her, she reacted with even more excitement than he did. His brother also played a crucial role.
“My brother is very supportive. He helped me financially whenever I needed something – even software to get my work done; he would purchase it for me.”
The journey to excellence is never a solo effort, and Rajendranauth is quick to acknowledge the individuals who helped make the path easier. He spoke highly of his long-time friend, Ajay Permaul, describing him as “a true friend” who was always ready to assist. Whenever he encountered technical issues, Ajay – who is a Mathematics major – would help him resolve them without hesitation.
He also credited Shelieze Ibrahim, a teacher at Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, for her unwavering confidence in his potential. From the very beginning of his studies, she believed he would one day become the Best Graduating Student of UGBC. According to him, her early and consistent belief in his success was a powerful source of inspiration.
For students embarking on their own academic journeys, his advice is honest and practical.
“UG is not an easy experience,” he said. “You have to be very disciplined and very persistent with what you do. Just do your work and everything will come out okay.”