UG must be a driver, not an observer – new Chancellor Sir Ronald Sanders

Newly appointed Chancellor Ronald Sanders vowed to honour the legacy of his predecessors and strengthen the University of Guyana (UG)’s integrity, relevance, and public confidence, pledging to faithfully execute the responsibilities of his office amid a period of rapid national change.
Preceded by 10 former Chancellors, Sir Ronald Sanders said he is committed to faithfully executing the responsibilities of the office and building on the legacy of his predecessors.
Sir Ronald Michael Sanders is an Antiguan Barbudan diplomat, academic, former broadcast journalist, and the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and to the Organization of American States since 2015.

In his remarks, he expressed respect for those who previously served in the role, stating that he will strive to emulate their vision, integrity, and record of public service, while acknowledging all former Chancellors and co-Chancellors.
“I shall endeavour to emulate the vision, integrity and public service that mark their example. And I acknowledge with respect all the former Chancellors and co-Chancellors of this university and its vice Chancellors, whose stewardship in early chapters helped to preserve and advance this institution to the moment we now inherit. In accepting this office, I see my responsibility as helping to sustain the university’s integrity, its relevance and its confidence in a time of rapid national change,” he said.
He remarked that Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its history, with expanding economic opportunities, rising national expectations, and heightened global competition. He emphasised that a country’s future is determined not by resources alone, but by the knowledge of its people, their ability to learn quickly, and their capacity to apply that knowledge effectively. Highlighting the critical role of higher education, he described the university as a central engine of national development, noting that in today’s world, knowledge drives progress while capital is mobile and technology is easily transferable.
Chancellor Sanders emphasised the critical role of UG in shaping Guyana’s future, highlighting that natural resources alone cannot secure national progress. He stated, “Natural resources are finite. But a skilled, adaptive, critically minded population is the only sustainable advantage that nations retain.”
On the transformative power of technology, Sir Ronald stressed, “As artificial intelligence reshapes work, governance and production, the university must ensure that Guyana’s people are not passive consumers of technology but confident shapers of it. At a time when Guyana’s sovereignty is being tested and its future weighed in laws and evidence at a distant court, the university’s role in cultivating knowledge, confidence and national clarity becomes essential, not peripheral.”
On driving national development, he said, “If Guyana is to prosper beyond boom cycles, if it is to avoid enclave growth and continuous reliance on imported expertise, if it is to translate opportunity into broad-based national advancement, then the University of Guyana must sit at the very centre of that national project, not at its margins, not as an observer, but as a driver of capability, confidence, and competence.”

Sir Ronald welcomed the Government’s move to make university education free, calling it “historic”, and added, “It removes the price barrier between talent and opportunity. From now on, ability and diligence, not wealth and status, should determine who advances.”
He added a reminder of the responsibility that comes with opportunity: “But access alone is not achievement. Free education creates possibilities, but it does not guarantee outcomes. The obligation now shifts to the individual.”
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Paloma Mohamed-Martin, welcomed the Chancellor with warm greetings, stating that she is confident the university will continue to flourish under his leadership.
“Chancellor, I install you in your office as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, and I express the sincere wish that the UG will prosper under your distinguished and wise guidance,” she said.
Dr Wayne Wesley also welcomed the newly appointed Chancellor, highlighting his appointment as a milestone that could foster growth and development across the Caribbean region.
“This is a major milestone, not only for the University of Guyana but also for Guyana and the wider Caribbean. None of us are strangers to Sir Ronald’s distinguished career in journalism, public service, and international advocacy. I am particularly struck by his publications addressing the challenges faced by small island developing states,” Dr Wesley remarked.