The new Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne, stated yesterday that Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo shares his views on the importance of and the direction needed for the tertiary educational institution that he now commands.
“I think we are of the same mind on the importance of the University and the need to bring it back to a higher standard of operations,” Professor Bourne stated.

The new Chancellor was at the time, speaking to the Government Information Agency after paying a courtesy call on the Head of State at the Office of the President.

He stressed that there would be close collaboration between Government and the University during his tenure.

“He’s assured me of his fullest support – his and his Government’s – and on the other hand, we assured him that we will take on board very seriously the need to review extensively the work of the University,” the Professor stated.

On his plans for the University of Guyana, Professor Bourne explained the need to identify a complement of priorities which can be pursued with determination and the need for early successes.

“The first thing is to complete the strategic plan of the University and then to identify a set of priorities very early in the new year around which we can generate the necessary finances for the development of the University,” he said.

“I think it is important that we act quickly and that we begin to deliver some early fruits so that morale improves and we send the right signals to the various institutions and individuals who we hope can be of support.”

He also highlighted the areas where the University has the potential to gain a competitive advantage in the area of research, both regionally and internationally.

“I think there are some areas, for instance, dealing with the environment, dealing with the climate change issue, which are very much front burner issues and which Guyana has a basis for an advantage in the world, especially if it acts in partnership with some other institutions that are on the leading edge in that endeavour,” the new UG Chancellor explained.

Other advantageous areas include tourism, education, research, eco-tourism, biodiversity, forestry and agriculture.

Following the visit, President Jagdeo expressed his satisfaction that Professor Bourne had accepted the appointment as Chancellor. He stated that the choice was one that was carefully made and added that Professor Bourne is a distinguished Guyanese professional who brings to the position outstanding credentials and a wealth of experience.

With this background, President Jagdeo indicated his expectation that Professor Bourne would have much to contribute to the future of the University of Guyana.

Professor Bourne, the current President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is a former Principal of the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies.

A respected economist, his career spans the worlds of academia, public policy and institutional management. A Professor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, his appointments at The University included Pro Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Deputy Principal of the St. Augustine Campus.

He has been an active contributor to public economic policy in the Caribbean, Africa and the Philippines since 1975.

A graduate of the University of London, the University of Birmingham and the University of the West Indies, he has authored and edited dozens of publications and advisory reports.

He is a Member of the Order of Excellence (OE), the highest honour of Guyana, and is a recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding contribution to the development of the Caribbean. (GINA)