GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Sir Ronald Sanders was on Friday installed as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana, pledging to emulate the vision, integrity, and public service of his predecessors.
The Guyanese-born Sir Ronald, who is also the Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), has over the years built a distinguished career in diplomacy, academia, and public policy.
“I see my responsibilities as helping to sustain the university’s integrity, its relevance and confidence in a time of rapid national change,” he told the installation ceremony that was attended by President Irfaan Ali, as well as Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Minister of Education Sonia Parag, and Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin who said that she is confident the University will continue to flourish under his leadership.
In his address, Sir Ronald said that if Guyana is to move beyond economic boom-and-bust cycles and reduce its dependence on imported expertise, the University of Guyana must be positioned at the center of national development, not on the margins, serving as a driver of capability, confidence, and competence.
“The University of Guyana must sit at the very center of (national development), not at its margins, not as an observer, but as a driver of capability, confidence and competence,” he said, underscoring also that free education must never be confused with inferior standards.
“National expectations have risen, global competition has shortened, in such moments a country’s future is not secured by resources alone, it is secured by what its people know, how quickly they learn and how effectively they apply knowledge,” he said
He also praised the University’s expansion into virtual learning, describing digital education as an equalising force in a country characterised by geographic distance and diverse communities.
President Ali said that the University of Guyana must translate research into innovation and tangible national value, positioning higher education as a central pillar of Guyana’s long-term prosperity.
“The nation requires a national university of strength and stature, one that will supply the continuity of highly trained and skilled graduates across every discipline to propel and sustain our development,” Ali added.
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