Almost one year after former Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Ivelaw Griffith ended his contract, the institution is yet to select someone to fill the position.
The University in a recent statement said that the process is still ongoing. Presently, the Transitional Management Committee (TMC), headed by Professor Paloma Mohammed, is managing the affairs at the University.
In June of 2019, Griffith withdrew his request for the renewal of his contract. This decision came amid pressure from the University of Guyana Unions. Based on reports received, the University of Guyana Council convened to make a determination on the matter of the renewal or non-renewal of Griffith’s contract, but during such, a correspondence was received indicating that he no longer wanted his contact to be renewed. The Council accepted his withdrawal, which meant that as of June 14, 2019, he ceased to hold the position.
Griffith had come under grave criticism early in 2019 after the UG Unions stated that his performance was dismal among other accusations of financial mismanagement. That February, a group of employees attached to the Turkeyen Campus picketed the Vice-Chancellery, calling for audits into the spending of the University as it was allegedly unable to properly account for its expenditures and more so, offer a salary increase to its staffers. This was despite the fact that tuition fees increased annually and there were additional fees for some services.
In another encounter, the Union President told media operatives that the University has rejected their proposal for an increase in salaries, saying that the institution has a deficit. Thomas had accused the University of wasteful spending, explaining that they have been hosting talks and events to accommodate various speakers, some of whom the University does not even know of, and funds go towards their accommodation, food and travel.
Pro-Chancellor of the University, Retired Major-General Joseph Singh had told this publication shortly after that the process could take anywhere between six to nine months. However, this period has already elapsed.
The next VC will be the 11th Vice Chancellor at the University.
