UG secures $31M grant for spanking new library

For the next seven months, contractors and workmen will undertake construction tasks to complete the first phase of the a brand new University of Guyana library which falls under a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded project worth over $31 million. The announcement was made at the Office of the Vice Chancellor on Thursday where it was noted that the project which the institution secured was valued at US$150,000. CDB Director of Economics, Dr Justin Ram told the media

that the regional bank is pleased to be associated with educational improvement initiative.
“[Thursday’s] announcement signals that this institution is one step closer towards the construction of a new library and towards improving the quality of education this Campus delivers,” he stressed.
The new structure will boost a larger size and enhanced features and will be located over the canal that lies West of the current building. Reporters were however told that a ‘Needs Assessment’ will have to be carried out to determine the adequacy and suitability of the current infrastructure. The CDB informed that final designs and cost estimates for the new library will be prepared. Director Ram further stressed that his organisation is optimistic that new facilities will be environmentally resilient and social inclusive as a place of study.
He added that libraries give students from vulnerable socio-economic circumstances access to services which they otherwise may not be able to afford. UG Librarian Gwyneth George expressed much delight for the long awaited advancement. At the same time, she echoed the sentiments of the CDB official when she observed that even with all the available digital avenues, libraries are still needed in developing countries as some students have limited or no access to electricity and Internet.
The institution’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith observed that this latest improvement forms part of a grander infrastructural overhaul.
“As we enhance the physical, intellectual and other components of our enterprise, we are mindful that we have a campus in Berbice with two components, mindful of the IDCE (Institute of Distance and Continuing Education) in Anna Regina, Linden, New Amsterdam and Georgetown… we are one university with several different locations and our intention is to enhance everything within that university space,” the Vice Chancellor expressed.
The CDB disclosed that Government and the University contributed some US$26,000 of the total US$150,000 grant.