THE University of Guyana (UG)’s capacity to provide more support to its students, especially those with challenges and disabilities, was boosted with a timely gift of equipment from the European Union (EU) on Thursday. The equipment gifted to the university include seven laptops, one copy machine with toner supplies, one ‘smart’ television, and multiple flash drives, a release said. UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin received them on behalf of the university from the European Union’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Fernando Ponz Canto during a simple ceremony in front of the UG-EU Democracy mural at the University’s Turkeyen Campus. The items were part of a reserve library of electronic equipment of the EU’s Electoral Observation Mission (EUEOM) to Guyana for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Professor Mohamed-Martin extended the university’s appreciation for the gifts which she said will be put to immediate use. “They will partly enhance the capacity of the UG Student Society (UGSS), in Georgetown and Berbice. The equipment will also partially support the university’s ongoing thrust for a more structured unit to provide support for students with challenges and disabilities within the university’s new Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Research (CeBRES),” Professor Mohamed-Martin said.
“We are really happy with all of the wonderful work the EU has been doing over the years, and we look forward to continuous support, especially as it relates to support for education, inclusion, and democracy in Guyana,” she added. The Vice-Chancellor also commended the European Union Delegation in Guyana on celebrating its 30th anniversary, noting that UG itself will also be turning 60 in 2023.

Ambassador Ponz Canto noted that the gift coincides with the ongoing activities that are part of the EU Delegation in Guyana’s 30th anniversary celebrations. “I am happy to deliver these materials that should help students and faculty to take forward one of the most important objectives for Guyana: The education and progress of all its citizens,” he said, adding: “This is a humble contribution, and we know it will make a difference in the lives of many students under the leadership of Professor Mohamed-Martin and the distinguished professors at the university.
I am even happier to hear that it will be going to people with disabilities; it is important for us, because the EU, in particular, is paying keen attention to the needs of those who are disadvantaged, and also to the council of students.” The Vice-Chancellor was joined by two other top UG administrators, namely, Berbice Campus Director, Professor Subramaniam Gomathinayagam, and Director of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr. Jacqueline Murray, as well as other officials of the university, and the EU who witnessed the simple ceremony.