SEVENTEEN companies, responding to a request from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GCCI), collectively donated the sum of $355,000 to the University of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary Committee last Thursday.

GCCI President Lance Hinds, who officially handed over the donation to Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Chair of the University of Guyana 50th Anniversary Committee, in the boardroom of the GCCI Offices at Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, noted that the Chamber, in its ‘Competitiveness Manifesto’, had identified preservation and transformation of the University of Guyana (UG) as a critical prerequisite for competitiveness and advancement of the private sector, and by extension the country.

He said that, for this reason, the Chamber had reached out to several members for their benevolence and support towards a donation drive to assist the University as it celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year.

Hinds contended that UG, founded in 1963, is Guyana’s only public tertiary institution, and has made significant contributions to the social, economic and political landscape of the country. Its specific contributions to the private sector cannot be overstated, he said, especially when one considers the seminal role it has played in human resource development.

“Moreover, the University has provided the intellectual tools for many of the current leaders of our companies and organisations.
Fifty years is no small achievement, and we all should stand proud of the milestone of this national institution,” Hinds added.

Dr. Mohamed, in short remarks, extended appreciation for the donation made by the companies, and related that they would be used towards “Celebrating the University of Guyana Jubilee Edition” publications, which are expected to be launched before the end of September.

She noted the importance of the contribution, and acknowledged the private sector’s efforts in aiding the University financially.

The publication initiative, which was launched about a year ago, will see the availability of 1000 hard cover copies each costing $10,000, and 1000 soft cover copies each costing $3000.

The companies that made the collective donation were Texila American University; ANSA McAL Trading; Roraima Airways; John Fernandes Limited; Caribbean Containers; Laparkan Holdings; Demerara Tobacco; Associated Industries; Grace Kennedy; TSD Regional Management Services Limited; Unicomer (Courts) Guyana Inc; California Stucco Guyana Inc; D & J Shipping Service; Doerga Business Enterprise; Rambarran’s Enterprise; China Trading; and Dilip’s Variety Store.

(By Ravin Singh)