Natural Resources Ministry seeking financial assistance to boost UG’s capacity to support sector
Efforts are being made to ensure that the University of Guyana can support the growing Natural Resources sector.
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman recently visited the Faculty of Technology to explore the facilities and better understand the needs of the faculty which currently has underequipped laboratories and classrooms.
During that meeting Minister Trotman and team were updated on the ongoing efforts by the University of Guyana to increase its reach, diversify its programmes, expand its financial base and build stronger relationships locally and internationally.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith also noted the institution’s keen interest in being properly positioned to support the needs of Guyana’s economy and proposed a number of potential areas that the Ministry of Natural Resources, its agencies and partners can support. These included lab facilities and equipment, training, research and access to scholarships to strengthen human capital.
Discussions also included the importance of a Business Development Center as a way to position the University as a resource pool from which qualified and skilled Guyanese can be drawn to support the development of the natural resources sector.
The visit was facilitated by the Dean of the Faculty of Technology Ms. Elena Trim, and included staff and students of the faculty.
The Ministry is seeking support from partners in the sector to add to the GYD$100M committed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to support the faculty. Minister Trotman stressed the importance of identifying synergies and engaging in collaborative efforts that can significantly expand the initial support being provided.
The GGMC had committed the sum to be given over a period of three years, to boost the institution’s capacity to cater for the oil and gas sector.