As the University of Guyana prepares to host its second Diaspora Engagement Conference, there was a precursor at the Education Lecture Theatre at the Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown.
Giving brief remarks was Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), who noted that there is a need for a Diaspora Engagement Policy to attract valuable skills to aid with the development of Guyana.
“Diaspora Engagement Policy must also be driven by a national policy on development. Unfortunately, because challenges we faced with, many of the skills we need are absent. How do we attract those skills? This policy should not only focus on a national or governmental conversation but also should be down into the levels of the communities,” he added.
According to Professor Lucas, Guyana’s education system has suffered tremendously with a large number of trained teachers migrating. As such, he underscored the need for a Diaspora Engagement Policy to ensure there is a reduction in the amount of skilled human resources leaving the country.
Professor Leyland Lucas, Dean of SEBI
“We have to find a ways of attracting the Diaspora. In some instances there are those who have skills and competence but would not be able to travel and exploiting the virtual network which has effectively, in my opinion, has removed national boundaries and narrow the space with those who are at home and who are abroad should be utilized.”
He further added that “the policy we are engaging in develop should be strategic as develop new programmes at all levels. We must also recognise that some of our institution programmes will have to be transformed.”
The Professor also highlighted that all skills cannot be utilised at the same time and as such, it should be strategic, giving all other institutional a conversation in the decision-making aspect.
“As we develop new programmes at all levels, it is important that not only the University of Guyana be part of that conversation, but also the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Council for Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET)”.
The second Conference is now set for May 28 to June 1, 2020, under the theme “Investing in Guyana’s emerging business, Indigenous, women and youth leaders”.
This theme has been chosen in recognition of the need for all Guyanese at home and abroad to work together with inclusion, tolerance and cooperation for national and regional growth and development.
The University of Guyana remains committed to Diaspora engagement and facilitating a positive enabling environment and discussion on ways in which Guyanese can best work together to accomplish joint goals towards creating prosperity for all our people.
The conference will feature a mixture of academic and non-academic experiences and will host a number of panels, forums, roundtables and multimedia presentations on key thematic areas.
