– 35 students graduate in mental health and human services training

THE American University of Peace Studies (AUOPS), in association with AUOPS Research, USA recently celebrated the graduation of 35 students from its diploma and degree programmes. The ceremony was held under the theme “Understanding Minds, Transforming Lives through Critical Thinking.”
Delivering the keynote address was Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Health and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo. In his address, the Director General reminded graduates that they are stepping into a rapidly transforming Guyana, a country that has experienced one of the fastest economic and healthcare transformations in modern history.
Dr. Mahadeo emphasised that the graduates’ fields, psychology, counselling, clinical practice, child psychology, forensic studies, and human resource management, are not only essential to individual wellbeing but also align directly with the government’s commitment to holistic, people-centred healthcare. He highlighted that their skills are critical in supporting this national vision, ensuring that care is ethical, compassionate, and accessible to all.

Over the past six years, Guyana’s economy has grown at record rates, allowing the government to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure and services. The Ministry of Health has launched initiatives to strengthen regional hospitals, expand digital health networks, introduce advanced diagnostic technology, and scale up medical training, all part of President HE Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare to every citizen, coast to interior.
“This is where you fall into this grander plan, your degrees reflect your knowledge, but your character will define your impact. The way you treat people, the integrity with which you work, and the compassion you show will matter just as much as your qualifications. Use your training wisely, your authority gently, and your voice responsibly. Today, you wear your academic regalia with pride. Tomorrow, you wear responsibility. You now carry the ability to influence minds, support healing, and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of individuals, organisations, and communities.”
Stressing the importance of thoughtful leadership and evidence-based decision-making, Dr. Mahadeo encouraged graduates to remain grounded and human in their professional lives, stating that, “I would also encourage you not to lose your sense of humour as you move forward. You will quickly discover that real life does not always follow textbook examples, and theory does not always arrive neatly packaged in practice. A sense of humour, paired with humility, will help you navigate challenges with grace. You will meet individuals who resist help, deny difficulties, or insist they are only present because someone else made them attend. Approach these moments with patience and humanity, remembering that trust often develops slowly.”
Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer of AUOPS, Dr. Eton Simon, in his address, reaffirmed the institution’s long-standing commitment to advancing psychology and mental health education in Guyana.
“We have been fostering psychology in Guyana for 25 years. Think about it, why are we pushing psychology? Because we believe when you understand the mind, you reduce suffering. All suffering starts from the mind.”
Delivering the charge to graduates, Dean, Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana and Adviser on Tertiary Education at the Office of the President, Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, reflected on the role of education in Guyanese society.
“Education has never been ornamental in Guyana. It was never about prestige. It was survival, it was a necessity. It was the quiet decision of our parents who believed that if they could not change the world with their hands, perhaps their children could change it with their minds.”
Certificates and instruments were presented to the 35 graduates, while tokens of appreciation were presented to speakers Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, and Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, the latter received on his behalf by Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, Director of the Guyana Police Force Academy, as the Commissioner was unable to attend the ceremony. Loreen Warde was awarded Valedictorian for the Diploma programmes, while Shadel Paul was awarded Valedictorian for the Degree programmes.