Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Terry Gajraj, Nicolette Fernandes to receive UG’s honorary doctorate

The University of Guyana (UG) on Tuesday announced the recipients of its 2025 Honorary Doctorates, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the wider world. The honourees, selected through a rigorous year-long process, represent fields including business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education, the University said. Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States (US) and the Organization of American States (OAS), will be honoured for his contributions to diplomacy, governance and regional development. His award will be conferred during the Faculty of Social Sciences graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 22. In business, Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), will receive recognition for over 50 years of leadership in banking, trade, shipping, and distilling. Samaroo’s achievements include advancing regional integration through the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association and promoting corporate social responsibility. His award will be presented at the School for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) graduation on Friday, November 21. Squash player Nicolette Fernandes, Guyana’s most decorated professional female athlete, will be honoured for her international sporting achievements and advocacy for women in leadership. Fernandes’s award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of the College of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, and the Institute for Human Resiliency on Friday, November 21. Egbert Carter, a civil engineer with more than six decades of service in infrastructure, environmental planning, and heritage preservation, will be recognised at the graduation ceremonies of the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) on Thursday, November 20. His work includes the Berbice River Bridge and the CBJ Lecture Building at UG.
Acclaimed poets Grace Nichols and John Agard will be honoured for their contributions to Caribbean and British literature, including work that explores migration, heritage, and resilience. Both awards will be conferred during the Faculty of Education and Humanities graduation on Saturday, November 22.
Mohindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group, will be recognised for his leadership in agricultural innovation, rural development, and community engagement, with his award presented at the Faculty of Natural Sciences graduation on Thursday, November 20. Cultural icon Terry Gajraj, known for his contributions to Chutney music and Guyanese cultural promotion, will also be honoured at the Faculty of Education and Humanities graduation on Saturday, November 22. Professor Clement K Sankat will be recognised for his work in engineering education and research across the Caribbean, including leadership roles at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI)
The University said it had received 27 nominations this year and conducted a thorough review through four committees before selecting the nine recipients. Nominations are submitted through UG’s honours and awards portal and are eligible for consideration in subsequent years if not selected.