– says learning is a lifelong journey

WHEN Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore stepped onto the University of Guyana’s graduation stage on Saturday, he did more than receive a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations; he closed a chapter he had started more than 20 years earlier.
For the city’s Chief Citizen, completing the degree was far more than an academic milestone. It brought clarity to the work he had already been doing for years.
“This degree made my job a lot easier,” he reflected in an interview with the University’s Department of Events, Conferences and Communication. “It gave me a deeper perspective on how to apply my learnings to everyday matters and make more informed decisions as Council head.”
But the road back to academia had not been straightforward. Mentore first enrolled at UG in the late 1990s to study Economics.
In the early 2000s, he switched to Banking and Finance. Each time, however, life reshaped his priorities. Responsibilities increased, and the need to secure a stable livelihood took precedence.
“I had to shelve my aspirations,” he recalled, describing the years he spent building a career as a real estate investor and entrepreneur. His focus had been on earning an income, expanding his business portfolio, and establishing partnerships that would sustain his future.
Public service eventually drew him in. Long interested in politics, Mentore rose through the city’s administration—first as a councillor, then as Deputy Mayor, and finally as Mayor of Georgetown. Even as his duties grew, the desire to finish his degree remained. “Coming full circle… that has always been foremost in my mind,” he said. Completing his undergraduate studies felt like an essential first step in a larger personal journey. “And I wasn’t stopping there—my master’s is next. Learning is a lifelong journey.”
His return to university took place during one of the most challenging periods in recent history: the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he was serving as Deputy Mayor and was responsible for supporting citizens during the national health crisis while working with an essential-service agency. At home, he was raising a young family, including two teenagers who still needed attention and guidance.
“It was hard and tiring,” he said. “I had to switch on and off between work and study and still put on a brave face every day.” He credited his family and a circle of supportive individuals for helping him stay the course. One light-hearted motivation, he noted, was his goal to complete the degree before his daughter graduated: “I wanted bragging rights—and I wanted her to have her own moment.”
Mentore said his experience at UG strengthened his leadership capacity and broadened his worldview. He praised the lecturers for being informed and engaging. “My learnings will truly shape how I see things locally, regionally, and internationally,” he shared. “My role will always be to find workable solutions for the greater good of the City and the nation.”
As he prepared for graduation, Mentore offered a message to working parents, public servants, entrepreneurs, and young people who believed higher education was beyond their reach: “Never give up on your dreams. Keep your sight on the prize. If I could dedicate the time—while running the city—to complete this journey… why not you?”
He also spoke about the importance of certification. “Many people are qualified for the job they’re doing, but not certified. And sometimes someone comes along with a certificate and gets your job—not because they’re more capable, but because they’re certified.” With more learning avenues available, he encouraged others to pursue education through online or in-person opportunities, noting the government’s increasing support for such efforts.
His story served as a reminder that dreams do not have an expiration date. Delays, detours, and responsibilities might slow the path, but they do not have to end it.
The public was invited to join the University of Guyana’s graduation ceremonies, which were streamed live on the university’s Facebook page and UG Broadcasting Service, with coverage provided by local and international media.
Now in its 62nd year, the University of Guyana had produced more than 70,000 graduates, many of whom had gone on to serve at the highest levels across both the public and private sectors locally and abroad.