Hundreds graduate from UG’s College of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences

The University of Guyana (UG), in its 55th convocation, conferred newly-minted graduates from the Turkeyen and Tain campuses with their official certification.
In the second lap of the virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, students from the College of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Natural Sciences were celebrated for their achievements.

In her special address, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said the graduates from some 50 disciplines would leave the institution profoundly different from when they first enrolled.
“Take a minute to reflect on your experiences and never forget those who supported you through this chapter of your personal and professional development…It is clear that the nation is extremely proud of your accomplishments. The essence of your educational achievements will be determined by their practical application. As such, I charge you to go forth and pursue a life of both purpose and service,” she advised.
President Dr Irfaan Ali also sent out a special message for the graduates, lauding their resiliency to persist in their educational agenda, despite the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the mounting challenges brought about thereafter.

The Head of State highlighted, “You must use this knowledge, skills and values that would have been acquired to change your personal circumstances and revolutionise Guyana’s development. You have demonstrated the resolve to make a difference. The past two years have been extremely challenging. The onset of one of the world’s gravest health crises has presented challenges for education, including here at the University of Guyana. It is to your credit that despite these challenges, you have persevered.”

Receiving Presidential Awards were Davendra Kissoon and Tomeshwor Mohabir, who completed a Bachelor of Science (Civil with Environmental Engineering) and Bachelor of Education (Mathematics Concentration Programme) respectively.

Mohabir told the convocation on Friday, “My knowledge base has grown tremendously and I can say with authority that I am a far better teacher now than I was when started UGBC. The journey, while being academically enriching, had its fair share of obstacles – the most notable being the shift from face-to-face learning to online learning because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Best Graduating Students Ashana Singh and Shaunique Critchlow from the School of Medicine; and Annette Rosalyn Baksh from the Faculty of Social Sciences received the Prime Minister’s Medal.

Cilicia Harris, the Best Graduating Law Student, received the Pro-Chancellor’s Medal. The Council of the University Prize was awarded to Marissa Foster from the Faculty of Social Sciences while the University of Guyana Student Society Prize was copped by Cardel Hunte.

Also graduating are NEW GPC employees Hema Singh, who completed her Associate of Science (Biology) with distinction, and Shaqueon Scott, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) with distinction. Meanwhile, Lawanda McAllister and Brandon Corlette – both Journalists at Guyana Times – will graduate with a Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Communication Studies respectively. This ceremony is set for next Saturday.