Guyana’s apex National University, the University of Guyana, on Friday, November 19, recognised and honoured 59 employees for their dedicated and selfless service to the institution, and by extension to the country, for as many as 40 years.
While the disruptions in 2020 saw a postponement of the 2020 Long Service Ceremony, this year the institution was determined to honor both the 2020 and 2021 longest-serving staff members from all its campuses.
The event was held for a limited number of awardees at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus. Their families, friends, colleagues, and other UG staff viewed it online.
Awards were given for 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 years respectively with monetary gifts, certificates, and plaques in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the development of the institution, under the theme, ‘Perseverance’.
Vice-Chancellor, XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed-Martin congratulated and expressed deep appreciation to the awardees for their tenacity, dedication, and selfless service offered to the University over the years. She also acknowledged the support and understanding of the families of the awardees.
“We love you, we appreciate you. There is no way you have stayed for 40, 35, 30, 25, or 20 years because of the money or any fancy office, but because you are special. And every time we see a UG graduate, we know you had a part to play in that. You are the bedrock of this institution,” the VC told the awardees.
The VC acknowledged that her administration is serious and working diligently to achieve student and staff success, which she noted is an integral part of the University’s Blueprint 2040 Goals.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UG, Prof. Emanuel Cummings, who was also awarded for serving the institution for 30 years, acknowledged the significant contributions made by each awardee and noted that this is the first time the University is awarding 59 of its employees at once.
“We have stayed for 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 years so as to continue producing skills for the development of Guyana. While others sought more favorable opportunities, we have continued to persevere over the years,” Prof. Cummings acknowledged.
Chairperson of the ceremony, University of Guyana’s Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande also echoed similar sentiments. He said that the University is very fortunate to have such dedicated employees who work very hard to ensure that students who enter the halls of the institution are supported in every way possible to be successful in their academic endeavors.
Citations detailing the progression of the employees over the years were read by Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr. Roslin Khan; Public Relations Officer, Ms. Krest Cummings; UG’s Former Public Relations Officer, Ms. Paulette Paul; and Senior Lecturer, Mr. Al Creighton.
The evening saw musical renditions by Ras Kamo Williams, Ezzie Crandon, Mr. Kwesi Cox, and Ms. Omiah Hall.
Delivering responses on behalf of the awardees were Mr. Calvin Bernard (2020) and Ms. Arlene McLean (2021) who reflected on both the challenges and successes they experienced in serving the University over the years.
They both acknowledged that serving the University over the years is a fulfilling and rewarding experience which they would always cherish and that they are happy to be still on staff to be part of the positive significant changes being made in this particular period of UG’s history
Given that the event was being held on International Men’s Day, each man present received a special gift and celebratory chorus sung by all those present.
Following are the lists of awardees:
2020
20 Years:
Calvin Bernard – Natural Science, Brian Coppin – Natural Sciences, Dr. Dawn Fox – Natural Sciences, Pamela Ramnarine – Natural Sciences, Lenandlar Singh – Natural Sciences, Taramattie Singh – Natural Sciences, Winslow Patterson – Registry, Fiona Sancho – Registry, Bibi Harper-Fenty – University Library, Clyden Harris – University Library, Yashwant Ramroop – University Library, Thomas Singh – Social Sciences, Dwayne Alexander – Education and Humanities, Hazel Simpson – Education and Humanities, and Dr. Mellissa Ifill.
25 Years:
Bruce Haynes – Engineering and Technology, George Torrington – Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Nichelle Bynoe – Bursary, Althea Dover – Bursary, Simmone Bernard – University Library, Denise Simmons – Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Francesca Milo – Registry and Johann Crawford – College of Medical Sciences.
30 Years:
Karen Marcus – Bursary, Shawn Mc Farlane – Facilities Maintenance, Patricia Glasgow – University Library, Carol Parris – University Library, Donette Washington – University Library, and Prof. Emanuel Cummings – Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Engagement).
35 Years:
Carmen Yusuf – Education and Humanites
2021
20 Years:
Melisande Fraser – School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Guyana Berbice Campus, Surudai Mangra – University Library, Terence Moriah – Facilities Maintenance, Prof. Raymond Jagessar – Natural Sciences, Malcolm Williams – Tactical Online Services, Yvette Swain – Bursary, Maxcine King – Tactical Online Services, Gilbert Caleb – Facilities Maintenance, Rudra Chinapen – Registry, Carlyle Benjamin – Engineering and Technology, Patricia Wong-Bandhan – College of Medical Sciences, Dr. Elroy Charles – Agriculture and Forestry and Elena Trim – Engineering and Technology.
25 Years:
Robert Bentinck – Registry, Jacqueline Robin – Registry, Anita Dhanraj – Engineering and Technology, Wendy McKinnon – Registry, Marcia Trotman-Prince – Personnel, Dorrette Bacchus – Registry, and Diane Johnson – College of Medical Sciences.
30 Years:
Margaret Williams – Social Sciences, Basil Bey – Natural Sciences, Arlene McLean – Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and Karen Roberts-Luke – University Library.
35 Years:
Alim Hosein – Education and Humanities
40 Years:
Esther Overton-Ifill – Registry, Veronica Woolford – Bursary, Olive Samuels – Bursary, and Sandra Ramnarine – University Library.
