‘Guyana is rising, needs your skills’ – Prof. Sankat urges UG graduates

Honorary doctorate recipient Professor Clement Sankat has encouraged graduates of the University of Guyana to embrace lifelong learning as they contribute towards developing the nation.

Professor Sankat spoke at UG’s first Convocation Ceremony for this year. The ceremonies celebrating some of the nation’s most distinguished contributors across engineering, culture, agriculture, and the arts commenced on Thursday. Sankat, Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc., received his honorary doctorate, recognising for his decades of leadership in engineering education and vocational training.

He urged graduates to stay future-focused and reminded them to commit to lifelong learning, seek mentorship, and focus on safety and sustainability in all fields.

“Commit to lifelong learning, your degree is just your foundation it is not the finish line. Technology, standards and global expectation change quickly, keep learning.

“Guyana is rising… your country needs your skills, your mind and your commitment. The rewards will come,” Sankat said.

He said that during his decades of commitment to studies and national development, he learned that this is not the finish-line. More importantly, Sankat said that Guyana is at a remarkable time with endless opportunities for growth. He encouraged graduates within the faculties to incorporate technology because this is the thing of now and no longer a thing of the future.

“Guyana stands at one of the most remarkable moments in its modern history. A nation small in size but rich in natural resources,” he said.

Legendary civil engineer Egbert Carter was also honoured during Thursday’s combined ceremonies for the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology. With a six-decade career that includes his work on the Berbice River Bridge and major heritage restoration projects, he is honoured for his “unwavering dedication” to national development.

Several other distinguished individuals will be receiving Honorary Doctorates from the University of Guyana this year. Those who will receive during the course of three days – Thursday to Saturday – are: Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Nicolette Fernandes, Grace Nicols, John Agard, Mohindra Persaud and Terry Gajraj.