THE University of Guyana (UG) recently celebrated the inspiring 40-year career of Mrs. Debra Brathwaite, a devoted staff member whose journey epitomizes dedication, growth, and resilience. “The experience has been very heart-warming and I would do it all over again if I had to,” Mrs. Brathwaite shared, reflecting on her long and fulfilling tenure at the nation’s premier educational institution.

Mrs. Brathwaite began her career at UG on November 9, 1981, starting as a Typist Clerk in the Faculty of Arts, now known as the Faculty of Education and Humanities. Fresh out of school, she embraced her role with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn and grow. Over the years, she climbed the professional ladder to her current position as Assistant Personnel Officer, becoming an integral part of the UG team.
In an interview with UG’s Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC), Mrs. Brathwaite reminisced about the university’s vibrant culture in the 1980s. “It was a very positive culture, much like today. Staff clubs and various activities kept the university community united and

motivated. Unlike today’s tech-dominated environment, people found time to interact with each other,” she recalled fondly.
Encouraged by her mentors and colleagues, Mrs. Brathwaite took courses to advance her career. Determined to make a significant impact, she balanced work, studies, and family life. Pursuing studies in Public Management at UG in the late 80s, she faced the challenges of being a wife and mother. Her classmates’ support was invaluable, recording lectures on cassettes to keep her on track despite her absences. This camaraderie and support network, she explained, were crucial to her success.
Her diligence and hard work paid off when she was promoted to Admin Assistant in the Recruitment department within the Personnel Division in the late 80s. “There was no way a person could be working at the University of Guyana and not develop himself or herself,” she remarked. Mrs. Brathwaite further pursued studies in Human Resource Management from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, which propelled her to the role of Assistant Personnel Officer.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Brathwaite cherished the small but significant moments that made her journey at the university rewarding. Celebrating team achievements, witnessing colleagues’ growth, and contributing to their success are memories she holds dear. “I am proud of the performance of the staff who have studied and gained their Master or Doctoral degrees and returned… I am proud to have been a small part of that,” she said.

In 2022, Mrs. Brathwaite received the longstanding award for her forty years of dedicated service at a ceremony held at the university. This recognition was a testament to her unwavering commitment and the profound impact she has had on the university community. “This experience has been heart-warming and I would do it all over again if I have to. The University of Guyana is indeed a wonderful place to work. Not only does it help with one’s professional growth, but the fact that we are playing our own small role in seeing our students achieve their dream of acquiring their degrees and go on to lead successful lives, this gives personal satisfaction,” she expressed with much pride.

As she nears retirement, Mrs. Brathwaite shares that her guiding principle has been: “Whatever I do, I do it unto God with the understanding that in pleasing God I will please man.” She eagerly looks forward to new endeavours, planning to work with women in prison, contribute to hospital services, and engage more in various church projects. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, team members at UG, pastor, church community, and her family, especially her husband and children, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
“I will continue to serve my community and country the best way I can, and UG has given me a good platform to build on to do that,” Mrs. Brathwaite said.
Mrs. Brathwaite’s story is not just about professional achievements but also about the personal connections and support systems that have fuelled her journey. The University of Guyana is proud to have team members like Mrs. Brathwaite, whose dedication and spirit continue to inspire and uplift the community.