By Ariana Gordon in New York

NEW Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Dr Ivelaw Griffith has announced that feasibility studies will be conducted in September for the establishment of schools of business and energy and mines.“Guyana needs a business school. You will invest in that; we’d need scholarships… you’d have an opportunity to name the school, we’d be establishing later on a school of energy and mines. We cannot be a nation thinking about oil and don’t have a university, an enterprise of trainers, researchers,” he announced, while addressing the ‘Guyana means business’ Investment Conference held at the Harvard Club of New York.
The vice-chancellor urged the gathering of investors and potential investors to not only invest in the economy, but in education, pointing out that without an educated workforce the economy would not thrive.
The vice-chancellor said too that he will embrace the business sector for he believes that partnerships with investors will see the ultimate development of the University of Guyana. He disclosed that Private Sector Commission member Gerry Gouveia and Chairman of Go-Invest Patricia Bacchus are founding co-chairs of a Business and Civic Engagement Council. An additional Co-Chair from the Berbice area has been identified.
“We have got as a university to have a strong nexus with the economic and social pursuits. Not only engagements with the council that Patricia, Gerry and the other co-chairs will lead, it is what I sense would be important economic and educational ventures that you have an opportunity to invest in.”
The UG Vice-Chancellor, who is returning to Guyana after 35 years of being in the United States, said he has a bold vision for the University of Guyana and will work hand in hand with stakeholders to have that vision realised. Quoting renowned boxer Muhammad Ali, he described investors as “Champions.”
“Champions called investors; being here by itself demonstrates that you’ve got will. Being here demonstrates that you’ve been invited because you’ve shown skill, being here suggests that you’ve got vision and I want you to be commended for taking either the first leap of faith or a potential leap of faith. You are champions! Your championship relates to our country’s economic development, but I want to suggest to us all… second ‘E’ word that is critical to your investment, education.”
According to Dr Griffith, investors must think of developing the education system in Guyana and as such must demonstrate confidence in the educational enterprise as much as they will demonstrate confidence in the economy. “Think of UG,” said Dr Griffith as he pleaded with investors to pour their support behind the country’s premier tertiary institution.
Investors, Dr Griffith stressed, are made from a dream, vision, the skill and the will. “You have both,” he said, noting that nothing prevents investors from supporting the vision of building a greater University.
Last month, Dr Griffith made it clear that UG needs more assistance than the government of Guyana can provide. The new vice-chancellor has since drafted a 12-point plan aimed at building a wider portfolio of resources for the university. He believes there is a great need to find enterprising ways to achieve specific targets.
Dr Griffith, who served as the 9th President of Forth Valley State University in Georgia, was appointed UG’s 10th vice- chancellor and will assume office from June 14. He was the first UG student to graduate with distinction in Political Science in 1980. The new vice-chancellor replaces Professor Jacob Opadeyi and will work along with Chancellor, Professor Eon Nigel Harris.