Inaugural Research Conference: UG Berbice Campus to drive development of Guyana’s ‘Golden Corridor’ – VC

The University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) will play an important role in the development of what President Ail refers to as the “Golden Corridor”, which is the linking of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil. This is according to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana (UG) Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin. Speaking at the opening of the inaugural interdisciplinary research conference, which opened on Monday at the Berbice Campus, the VC pointed out that there is tangible development taking place in the region and there will be people who will be needed for that. She said that is where the university will play a major role.

The conference has attracted participants from across the country. The inaugural interdisciplinary research conference, which opened on Monday, goes until Thursday and is being held under the theme; ‘Embracing innovation and change through interdisciplinary perspective. The seminar coincides with UGBC’s 25th anniversary. The institution opened its doors on November 6, 2000.
The VC noted that to help develop more interest in the campus, programmes are being placed in Region Six and one is the newly developed Institute for Marine and Riverine Economies and Ecologies.
“So if you want to study anything about river economies, marine, etc, you have to come and study in Berbice and live in Berbice. The other one is going to be the Institute for Infrastructure and Construction. So, you want to study those things, you have to be in Berbice.”
Those courses are not being offered online, as well as wellness tourism and health tourism, which will only be available in Region Six.
Meanwhile, Director of Confucius Institute at the UG, Professor Al Creighton, in evaluating the Berbice Campus, said he was there from the inception and as Deputy VC, he was designated the responsibility of oversight for the project during construction. He said the campus now stands on two locations; one at Tain and the other at Johns. The campus, Creighton said, provides training for over 600 students in seven divisions of seven faculties of the university.
“Educational Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, and the Institute of Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies.” The Berbice Campus also offers several degree, diploma, and certificate programmes Creighton added.

Critical challenges through academia
Meanwhile, in delivering the feature address, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister Alfred King, speaking of the conference, explained that it is where leaders, academic experts, and a wide cross-section of other stakeholders are invited to engage in meaningful dialogue on how to address critical challenges through academia.
“This is a necessary approach and an innovative move for the University of Guyana, which will directly impact on how we think, work, and build a future for Guyana. The theme of this conference, Embracing Innovation and Change Through Interdisciplinary Perspectives, could have been chosen for any country in the world, but it means something different for Guyana. Here it speaks directly to the country on the crossroads where we now stand as a country in motion,” King said.
The challenges we face today are no longer confined to a single sector or field.
He pointed out that in coastline areas, there are many issues affecting both climate and economic concerns, as well as food security, housing and education.
“The diverse impact requires of course, an integrated approach so that we can find meaningful solutions that can see us continue with the trend of development. This conference calls for a useful interdisciplinary exchange where researchers, planners, students, and even professionals ask questions that do not fit neatly within a single department or discipline and where answers come from shared insights rather than individual experts.” The Permanent Secretary said it is fitting that this takes place at the Berbice Campus.