‘Remain grounded in service to your country’ – Education Minister urges UG graduands

Minister of Education Sonia Parag has urged graduands of the University of Guyana (UG) to “remain grounded in service to your community and your country”.

UG’s 59th Annual Graduation Ceremonies began today and will last until November 22, with an additional ceremony on December 6 for the Berbice campus.

Almost 3600 students are set to graduate, the largest batch in the university’s 62-year history.

Delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony today, Minister Parag told the graduating students that the event marks not only their academic success, but the “passion, determination and resilience that brought you to this moment”.

Speaking on Guyana’s rapid development across all sectors, the Education Minister emphasised that opportunities are expanding and new industries are emerging.

“UG has equipped you with the knowledge and values that our nation needs…Your education is not just a personal gift to you, it is a national investment. You are the engineers of Guyana’s future, you are the educators who will inspire the next generation, you are the innovators who will solve challenges we have not yet imagined,” she noted.

“You represent the creativity, intelligence and leadership that will drive Guyana forward,” the minister added.

Moreover, she explained that this graduation ceremony must not mark the end of graduands’ learning, but the beginning of their leadership.

She urged them to lead with integrity; seek solutions, not excuses; and “lift others as you climb”.

UG has produced over 70,000 graduates in its 62-year history, many of whom have gone on to serve with distinction at the highest levels in both the private and public sectors, nationally and internationally.