–President Ali urges UG graduates in Berbice to shape Guyana’s future
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
MAKING the call for “all hands on deck”, President Irfaan Ali delivered the feature address at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus 23rd Convocation Ceremony on Saturday and told the graduating class that Guyana needs them now more than ever.
He stated, “Your country needs you; you are qualified and trained, and that privilege comes with responsibility.

Yes, today is a day of celebration but it is also a call to action; Guyana needs each of you to contribute, to help build a stronger more resilient, more inclusive economy that will not benefit just this generation but generations to come.”
President Ali further urged the graduating class to “take up the call,” emphasising, “Bring your talents, your passion, and your innovative spirit to the forefront. Let your skills and ideas shape the future of Guyana. Let your determination and drive help us lay a foundation for a nation that can stand tall among the best in the world.”

Emphasising that Guyana needs them now more than ever, as the country enters a pivotal moment in its history—graduating into a post-transformation era with a rapidly growing and reshaping economy, while traditional sectors undergo modernisation.
He remarked that the oil and gas sector, once a distant dream, is now “a force that is helping to propel our development.

We are solidifying an industrial base, investing in manufacturing and services, and creating new opportunities in non-traditional sectors like tourism, innovation, and digitisation. This is not just progress; it is structural transformation that will shape the life of every Guyanese, every citizen for generations to come.”

President Ali emphasised that Guyana needs “you, our qualified graduates, to be the builders of this new economy” and to bring fresh ideas as the country looks toward 2030 and beyond. He highlighted that Guyana’s vision goes beyond mere economic growth—it calls for shared prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability. “This means we must all rise to the challenge, together,” he stated.

According to him, in years to come it is expected that Guyana will cater to more than three million people moving through its economy “this means that we need systems, structure and infrastructure to support this development.”
He reminded, “We need all of you, whatever your field, whatever your discipline to play your part.”

President Ali extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class, emphasising that it was a moment to celebrate their hard work and dedication in reaching such a significant milestone. “Know that you have achieved something truly remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of you,” he affirmed.

He also underscored that the government’s provision of free university education demonstrates its commitment to ensuring all Guyanese have access to world-class education and equal opportunities to attend the University of Guyana. Addressing the graduates directly, he encouraged them, “Go forward and prove that the future of Guyana is bright, with graduates who are not only educated but empowered to set new benchmarks for excellence.”

In a remarkable achievement, Sherwin Nicholson, a young teacher at the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), was named the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) Best Graduating Student for the academic year 2023/24.
At 34, Sherwin, a resident of Glasgow Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Berbice, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA to claim the prestigious Best Graduating Student title.

Reflecting on his journey, Sherwin shared that when he first sat for his CSEC Mathematics examination, he never imagined he would fail. However, he refused to let that setback define him, using it as motivation to push forward and ultimately succeed.
“While this was initially a setback, it served as a turning point in my life. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I viewed it as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and push myself harder,” he explained.

Determined to prove himself, he retook the exam and ultimately achieved better results. “What matters most is not how many times we fall, but how we rise and continue moving forward,” he said with pride.
Sherwin’s passion for teaching and his desire to make a difference in the lives of students led him to pursue tertiary education at UGBC. For him, the campus offered the perfect blend of accessibility and quality.

“The campus’s proximity was an invaluable factor, allowing me to better manage my personal and professional commitments. This was especially important as I navigated the responsibilities of being newly married,” he said.
The young teacher acknowledged the challenges of balancing online lectures, assessments, teaching responsibilities, and his new role as a husband. “There were definitely moments when I felt like giving up, especially when the pressure of preparing lessons, grading students’ assessments, studying for exams, or completing my own assignments and attending online lectures became intense,” he shared.

In those tough moments, Sherwin drew strength from his support system. “The thought of my long-term goals served as a powerful motivator. Additionally, the continuous support from my wife, family, and friends provided a steady foundation that kept me grounded,” he said.

Additionally, the award for Second Best Graduating Student, given to the student with the second-highest GPA in the Bachelor’s Degree programmes, was presented to Ashmini Prashad. The award for Best Graduating Student in the Diploma/Certificate/Associate Degree programmes, recognising the highest GPA, went to Yadram Totaram. Meanwhile, the Director, UGBC Award for Best Graduating Student with a Bachelor’s Degree, recognising not only academic achievement (at least a Pass with Credit) but also significant contributions to university activities, was awarded to Manisha Sagadaya.