– part of Gov’t’s efforts to address deficiencies at UG
GOVERNMENT has been implementing measures to address deficiencies at the University of Guyana to complement the injection of increased funding into the institution.

The appointment of Professor Lawrence Carrington, a retired University of the West Indies (UWI) scholar as interim Vice Chancellor for one year is the latest intervention taken by Government in its quest to enhance the credibility and academic standards of the University of Guyana.

Professor Lawrence Carrington

According to UG Pro-Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir, Professor Carrington’s appointment will not only serve to achieve national credibility, but also regional so that the university can gain respect both here and abroad.

Despite significant efforts being made by both faculty and administrative staff to address the deficiencies at the institution, Dr Misir said there are still some areas which need to be addressed. He stated that emphasis is now being placed on improving the academic standards of the university.

During his tenure, Professor Carrington will embark on several initiatives that will see the university undergoing changes. These include the following:

* a review of UG Strategic Plan which includes consultations with key stakeholders to ensure its feasibility, sustainability and contribution to the national developmental goals of Guyana.

* make proposals for financing the Strategic Plan by UG, government and donor funding;

* identify internal constraints to the implementation to the Strategic Plan;

* examine proposals put forward by UG to achieve efficiency in its overall operations and

* explore areas where collaboration between UWI and UG might enhance the quality of both institutions and propose mechanisms for such partnership;

Dr Misir stated that though the university is the recipient of major subventions from Government it would be foolish to think that Government would continue to fund the university forever. Though there is no current plan to privatise the University of Guyana, “people should understand that all around the world government’s funding of their respective universities is declining, or their funding capacity has been declining in many parts of the world especially in the developing world,” the UG Pro-Chancellor said.

It is expected that at the end of the year there will be some improvements in the university’s ‘modus operandi’, Dr Misir stated.

Professor Carrington, apart from writing and lecturing widely in his field at several universities also served as a member of various committees shaping policies for Trinidad and Tobago. He was also a key member of the CARICOM Advisory Task Force on Education in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Professor Carrington is also Chair of the UG-UWI Working Group on collaboration between the two universities.