Sir Ronald Sanders installed as 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana

The University of Guyana on Friday formally installed Sir Ronald Sanders as its 11th Chancellor during a ceremony held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), Turkeyen Campus.

He was recognised and warmly welcomed, with tributes underscoring his extensive diplomatic career and regional leadership. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Education Sonia Parag, the Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally, Vice Chancellor of UG Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, as well as distinguished regional officials were in attendance.

Over the years, Sir Ronald Sanders has built a distinguished career in diplomacy, academia, and public policy. He has long been an influential voice in Caribbean affairs, regional integration, and international development. He has consistently advocated for small states within the global system, championing issues such as climate resilience, economic equity, and multilateral cooperation.

In his address, Chancellor Sanders underscored that free education must never be confused with inferior standards.

“National expectations have risen, global competition has shortened, in such moments a country’s future is not secured by resources alone, it is secured by what its people know, how quickly they learn and how effectively they apply knowledge,” he said.

He praised the University’s expansion into virtual learning, describing digital education as an equalising force in a country characterised by geographic distance and diverse communities. He also emphasised that quality must remain central to the university’s mandate and called for strategic investment from both government and the private sector, noting that businesses that depend on university-trained professionals have a responsibility to contribute to its development.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who spoke at the ceremony, agreed that the University must translate research into innovation and tangible national value, positioning higher education as a central pillar of Guyana’s long-term prosperity.

“The nation requires a national university of strength and stature, one that will supply the continuity of highly trained and skilled graduates across every discipline to propel and sustain our development,” the President said.