— valedictorian urges Gov’t

INVESTMENT in youth is an investment in the foundation for the future successes of Guyana and the 2017 UG Valedictorian, Elsie Ann Harry, has called on Government to create more opportunities for the University of Guyana (UG) graduates.

The Best Graduating Student who was tutored in International Relations issued the challenge during the 51st Convocation at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), on Saturday.
For the first time in the history of the university, certificates, diplomas and degrees were awarded at two separate ceremonies.

The first was held on Saturday morning at the NCC for the Faculties of Agricultures and Forestry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Natural Sciences and Technology.
“Learning theoretically impacts the world; Bacchus graduating from the Faculty of Technology, in absentia, designed my mother’s house and restaurant. He could have easily designed any of these buildings on campus or around Georgetown,” the valedictorian said in her speech titled `Personal Renaissance’.

While pointing at herself as a future President, Harry noted that amongst UG graduates are young entrepreneurs, web graphics and fashion designers, accountants, chefs, poets, singers, electrical engineers and talented youths.
And on this note, she stressed that UG has created a talent pool for the Government to build and choose from, rather than look beyond these shores for technical skills that are right here.

She said her graduation from the university is only one phase of her renaissance and the beginning of another.
The 25-year-old said during the years of her studies, she learnt perseverance, compassion and strength while identifying friend and moments that lead one to their renaissance.
“Throughout my life I had thought of changes that I induced or enjoyed, and then I realised that the journey and not the destination was the renaissance,” she said.

ALL ARE REPLACEABLE
Noting that quality service serves the country, the valedictorian said everyone should carry themselves with humility since in the job market all are replaceable.

“Our service to the world is mirrored in our ability to ensure continuity, we do this when we share our knowledge, share our skills, share our vision, help others to reach their highest potential, when we have learnt to serve not ourselves but our communities, our countries, and humanity, then we have completed our renaissance,” she declared to a cheering crowd.

Underscoring that UG has been plagued with a general culture of indifference to the struggles faced by students and their willingness to rise above challenges to become successful, the valedictorian said the indifference is compounded by poor customer service and a general sense of malaise.

“I have wasted many days because too many people did not know where to find what, and did not care enough to ask someone who did. This is the highest institution of the country and if this is not the standards of excellence then what is,” the international relations student said.

She continued: “New buildings will not transform UG, a change in attitude will. UG in my opinion is a microcosm of Guyana; therefore, the same inefficiencies can be experienced in the country at large. My advice to everyone is simple ‘STOP IT’.”
Regardless of any office holder, Harry said, politician, pastor or president, student or teacher, the renaissance must promote efficiency, courteousness, caring and be colourblind.

“Do not focus on ethnicity, focus on character,” she said to a roaring round of applause.
She challenged her fellow graduates to think of things that they can do to develop Guyana and stop sitting passively by waiting on something to happen.

“This is a rallying cry, this is my admonition to you, you are the bright faces that will eventually lead this country, hearts that will mend the holes in the fabric of society, hands that will mould future generations into future leaders and feet that will thread into the areas of divide and sow reconciliation into the hearts of the people,” the valedictorian said.

She thanked God for the grace she received while acknowledging the support of her parents, relatives and friends.