Nicolette Fernandes, Terry Gajraj & Bert Carter among those receiving Honorary Doctorates from UG

Several distinguished individuals will be receiving Honorary Doctorates from the University of Guyana this year. Those individuals are: Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Nicolette Fernandes, Egbert ‘Bert’ Carter, Grace Nicols, John Agard, Mohindra Persaud, Professor Clement Sankat and Terry Gajraj.

See below the full release from the University of Guyana: 

The University of Guyana is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of its Honorary Doctorates for 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions to Guyana, the Caribbean region, and the world. This year’s honourees represent excellence in business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education, embodying the University’s commitment to national development, innovation, and cultural pride.

2025 Honorary Doctorate Awardees

Sir Ronald Sanders
Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States for Antigua and Barbuda, is a transformative figure in diplomacy, business, and academia. He has led missions resolving constitutional impasses, contributed to Commonwealth reform, and served on distinguished international boards. His career reflects a commitment to diplomacy, good governance, and Caribbean advancement.

Mr. Komal Samaroo
Mr. Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL), is a pillar of Guyana’s business community and an international leader in the banking, trade, shipping and distilling industry. With over 50 years of service, his visionary leadership transformed DDL into a globally respected enterprise, including the recently established World Trade Centre in Guyana, to new and innovative projects under current development. Mr. Samaroo’s contributions extend to regional integration, notably as former Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association, where he pioneered the “Authentic Caribbean Rum” mark. He is also recognized for his commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting education, health, and youth development. Mr. Samaroo is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA, UK) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (ACIS, UK), exemplifying corporate excellence and inspiring future generations.

Ms. Nicolette Fernandes
Ms. Nicolette Fernandes is Guyana’s most decorated, resilient and successful professional female squash player, achieving a historic world ranking of No. 19 and winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006. Her career, marked by resilience and determination, includes overcoming a major injury to return and win multiple World Masters titles in 2022 and 2024. Fernandes remains a dedicated advocate for women in leadership and a role model for athletes, contributing significantly to national development and the global sporting community.

Mr. Egbert ‘Bert’ Carter
Mr. Egbert Carter’s illustrious career in civil engineering, environmental planning, and heritage preservation spans more than six decades. His work includes the Berbice River Bridge, the CBJ Lecture Building at the University of Guyana. His work and civic minded contributions have shaped Guyana’s infrastructure, including landmark projects in Georgetown, national drainage systems, and cultural sites. Carter’s voluntary service includes restoring historic landmarks and mentoring future engineers. His unwavering dedication exemplifies patriotism, integrity, and service to Guyana.

Ms. Grace Nichols
Ms. Grace Nichols, acclaimed poet and author, has been central to Caribbean and British literary landscapes for over four decades. Her works, including “I is a Long Memoried Woman” and “Passport to Here and There,” explore themes of migration, heritage, and resilience. Nichols’s children’s literature and poetry continue to bridge cultures and generations, celebrating the Guyanese experience and diaspora.

Mr. John Agard
Mr. John Agard, renowned poet and playwright, is celebrated for his innovative use of Guyanese Creole and English, creating a powerful literary voice that resonates globally. His performances, publications, and educational roles have enriched Caribbean and British cultural spheres, inspiring a diverse audience and championing language as a tool for unity and expression. Both John Agard and Grace Nichols have been highly decorated and awarded by the British Government over their long and distinguished careers.

Mr. Mohindra Persaud
Mr. Mohindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, is a trailblazer in agricultural innovation, rural development, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, the Nand Persaud Group has modernized rice production, supported food security, and uplifted communities especially in region 6 through education, youth engagement, and environmental stewardship. His dedication to sustainable agriculture and partnership with educational institutions aligns with Guyana’s vision for growth and green development.

Mr. Terry Gajraj
Mr. Terry Gajraj, iconic singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador, has advanced Guyanese music by fusing Indian folk with Caribbean rhythms into the infectious and often humorous Chutney genre. His international success and mentorship have opened doors for emerging artists and promoted Guyanese culture worldwide. Gajraj’s charitable work in education, health, and technology has positively impacted countless lives, reinforcing his role as a transformative creative leader.

Professor Clement K. Sankat
Professor Clement K. Sankat’s distinguished career in engineering education and research has shaped technical advancement across the Caribbean most notably at the level of the University in Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. As Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. in Berbice, he leads efforts to prepare skilled professionals for Guyana’s dynamic economy. Sankat’s commitment to agricultural innovation, vocational training, and academic excellence supports Guyana’s rapid transformation and future-ready workforce.