Focus on UG - January Edition

Open Day billed for February 16

The annual Open/Career Day of the Turkeyen Campus will be held on February 16, 2007. The theme for this year is 'Your Potential...A World of Possibilities'.
Open/Career Day seeks to inform prospective students – fifth and sixth formers – about career options and prerequisites for same and also to expose current university students to job opportunities and careers within their field of study.

It is expected that the Faculties of Agriculture & Forestry, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Technology, the School of Education & Humanities along with the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) will showcase the available areas of study and other relevant information.
In addition, the University has invited members of the Private and Public Sectors to set up booths to highlight their requirements for employment and career opportunities in their organisations. To date, fifteen organisations have requested booths and this number is expected to increase.
Special invitations have been sent to Secondary Schools (public & private) inviting them to send their senior students to the event.
The general public, especially parents and guardians are also encouraged to visit the University during Open Day and raise any questions and concerns with Faculty.

Meanwhile, organisations interested in being a part of the University’s Open/Career Day are invited to meet with the Public Relations Officer today, at 10:30 h in the Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus.

More books for the Library

The University of Guyana Library was the recipient of another donation on December 5, 2006. The Burnham Foundation donated thirty-five copies of Halim Majeed's book, "Forbes Burnham: National Reconciliation and National Unity 1984 – 1985", to the Library. According to Chairman of this Civil Society, Mr. Elvin Mc David, the book is the society’s first major publication and has been distributed to schools all around Guyana. Mr. Mc David said that it is hoped that the text will be used as a reference tool for persons pursuing Politics and History courses at the University of Guyana. The gift was received by Mr. Vincent Alexander, Deputy Registrar, on behalf of the University Community.

Over the last two months, the University Library has received several gifts from various organizations and individuals. Some of the major donors were The People’s Republic of China; The Indian High Commission; and Ms. Lorene Grant, wife of the late Dr Cedric Grant, former Ambassador of Guyana.

Sir John Daniel to give lecture

The first lecture in the Dennis Irvine Lecture Series for 2007, will be held on Monday, February 26, at the Tower Hotel, Main Street, Georgetown.

It is expected that Sir John Daniel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth of Learning, will speak on the topic ‘How Can Learning Contribute to Development’.

The Dennis Irvine Lecture Series is held bi-annually by the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) in honour of the late Dr Dennis Irvine, CCH who was a former Vice-Chancellor (1968-1982) of the University.

Domain workshop for the Caribbean Region

The Internet Society (ISOC – based in Virginia, USA) and the Network Startup Resource Centre (NSRC – based at the University of Oregon, USA) will be hosting a Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) Technical Workshop for the Caribbean Region from February 14 to 17, 2007 at the Centre for Information Technology, Turkeyen Campus. This Technical Workshop is for ccTLD managers of the Caribbean Region, including Guyana, who manage their country code domains.

In the case of Guyana, the .gy ccTLD is managed by the University of Guyana on behalf of the Government of Guyana and ICANN. It is expected that about fifteen ccTLD managers from 12 Caribbean countries and four resource persons representing the ISOC, NSRC and ICANN will participate in this workshop

According to Mr Rayman Khan, Head, IT Center, UG, as the local host, the University is expected to provide full support for this Network Training workshop. In addition, the .gy domain operation is expected to benefit from specialized network equipment, books and other forms of support.

Orientation for new staff

The annual orientation sessions to assist new staffers to become integrated into the University as quickly as possible were held from January 22-26.

This year, two orientation programmes were held simultaneously, one for 35 staff members who comprise the clerical secretarial and technical streams and the other for new academic staff. Both Workshops were opened by Vice-Chancellor Dr James G. Rose.

Topics covered in the former included Conditions of Service, The Growth and Development of the University, Conflict Resolution & Stress Management and Work Ethics. Resource persons were drawn from on and off campus.

Meanwhile the Workshop for New Lecturers was held under the theme, 'An Induction Exercise to Build Knowledge & Expertise in Academic Operations at the University of Guyana'. The objectives of the workshop included: Preparing new lecturers for the delivery of quality teaching, assessment and learning methodologies at the tertiary level; discussing methodologies for effective classroom management and student/lecture relationships and providing a forum where new lecturers can meet senior University administrators and discuss their concerns.

Some of the topics addressed were: 'The University of Guyana as a Learning Institution: 'The Role of the Lecturer in shaping the Culture' – Mr. Al Creighton, Chair, Human Resource Management Initiative. 'An outline of UG Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats' – Dr William Wilson, Head of the Committee of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Technology. 'Strategies for Effective Teaching at the Tertiary Level' – Prof Winston McGowan, Walter Rodney Chair. 'New Technologies in Teaching' – Mr. Malcolm Williams, Lecturer, Faculty of Natural Sciences &amp Ms. Rita Persaud, Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences and 'Strategies for Effective Research at the Tertiary Level' – Sister Mary Noel Menezes, Former Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts.

Legislative Drafting for the Caribbean

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the University of Guyana officially launched a three-month Postgraduate Programme in Legislative Drafting on January 15 at the Education Lecture Theatre. This training programme, which is funded by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, has been designed for lawyers in the Caribbean serving as legislative drafters and those interested in that field of law. The programme will provide an in-depth analysis of the principles underlying legislative drafting and a thorough introduction to sound drafting practice. It will also focus on the roles and responsibilities of the legislative counsel; types, hierarchy and structure of legislative instruments; and the use of information technology in drafting. At the end of the programme participants are expected to be competent in the basic essentials of legislative drafting and empowered to produce clear, effective and implementable legislation and directives to comply with the requirements of their individual national constitutions.

Republic Bank awards presented

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, held a brief ceremony at their Head Office to honour the two recipients of the Annual Republic Bank Limited/University of Guyana Awards for graduating students.

Honorable Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Allison Rodrigues, was the recipient of the Republic Bank Limited Chairman’s Award for the Best Graduating Student with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Ms. Jill Valanna Sullivan received the Republic Bank Limited Award for the Best Graduating Student with a Diploma in Banking and Finance.

The University congratulates these 2006 outstanding graduates and looks forward to continued good relations with Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited.

Over the past months, the Turkeyen Library benefited significantly from donations of books, journals and audiovisuals from both local and overseas sources. The major donors during this period were the People’s Republic of China, which a donation of books, audiovisuals and paintings to an approximate value of G$580,000.00; the Government of India, with items valued approximately G$11,144,010.00; CARICOM Secretariat, with items valued approximately G$442,280.00; The University of Guyana Law Society, with items valued approximately G$64,775.00; Mrs Lorene Grant, wife of the late Dr Cedric Grant, with items valued approximately G$595,060.00 and the Republic Bank, who has continued to pay subscriptions for the Library for three (3) main Social Sciences journals namely, The Banker, Accountancy, and Finance and Accounting.

Other donations came from Drs Shamir and Maryann Ally who donated a quantity of textbooks, Professor C.A. Reddy from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University who donated a quantity of books to the Berbice Campus Library and on behalf of Pastor Gershom Byass, a Guyanese writer, the Seventh Day Adventist Church presented two publications to the University. In addition the Library has also purchased books and journals to the value G$1,940,755.23, since the commencement of academic year 2006/2007.

Meanwhile, as was reported in the national media, His Excellency Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President of the Republic of India, officially opened the Rabindranath Tagore Resource Centre at the Turkeyen Campus on Tuesday, November 6, 2006.

UG Officials attend meeting of COHSOD

A team of University officials, led by Dr Marlene Cox, represented the University of Guyana at the 15th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD). The meeting involved regional Ministers and representatives of the Education, Health and Labour sectors whose focus included: regional standardization and accreditation of education and vocational training particularly in nursing, teaching and technical skills; criteria for standard procedure regarding free movement of skilled persons and the introduction of the CXC Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Competence. There was discussion on a very wide range of issues including university training and the universities’ participation in providing for CSME demands for minimum standards of quality assurance. The drafting of a UWI Strategic Plan was on the agenda and the opportunity was taken to mention the University of Guyana’s Strategic Plan and how it could draw from the UWI experience.

Scholarly and other Academic Activities

In keeping with its commitment to academic excellence and scholarship, faculty seized upon a number of opportunities to exchange ideas and test research findings.

Dr Michael Scott and Ms Talia Choy of the Faculty of Social Sciences, made a joint presentation titled "Managerial Autonomy, Political Control and the New Public Management: The Quest for a Corporate Culture at the Guyana Revenue Authority's Customs and Trade Administration", at the Governance, Institution and Networks' Conference from October 17-22 in St Augustine, Trinidad.

Dr. Paulette Bynoe presented a paper at UWI's Sustainable Economic Development Unit 10th Anniversary Conference on October 17 in St. Augustine, Trinidad. In her capacity as National Consultant for County Study on Amazonian Biodiversity Management (Guyana), Dr Bynoe also attended an inception meeting for National Coordinators of the County Study on Amazonian Biodiversity Management, from October 25-27, in Brasilia.

Ms Verlyn Klass, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Technology, presented a paper on "Load Flow Studies performed on GPL Demerara System" at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) seminar on 'Wind-Farm Operation, Integration and Maximum Penetration for Caribbean Electric Utilities', from October 23-26 at NCERD in Kingston, Georgetown.

Ms Jennifer Wishart, Researcher in the Amerindian Research Unit, conducted a Ranger Training Programme for 17 Amerindians from the Protected Areas of Guyana, from October 24-29 at the Iwokrama Field Station, Essequibo River.

Mr Tota Mangar, Dean, School of Education & Humanities, conducted a two-day workshop for Iwokrama Forest Rangers on: (1) Guyana’s History, and (2) Guyana's Political Organisation and Local Government Structure, from November 6-8 at the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre, Essequibo River.

Ms Carmen Same-Acuna, Lecturer in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies, is currently conducting research on Spanish Teaching Methodology in the Dominican Republic.

Ms Diana Alert-Wharton, Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is currently moderating the CXC Home Economics School Based assessment at the Northwest, St. Ignatius and Waramadong Secondary Schools.
Dr Patrick Williams, Senior Lecturer, will undertake library research at the University of Richmond for completion of a book on Environmental and Natural Resources Management, from December 28 to January 30 in Virginia, USA.

HIV/AIDS sensitisation on campus

The University continues to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the observance of World Aids Day 2006. Toward this end, a HIV/AIDS sensitising session will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 10:00 h to 12:00 h in the Education Lecture Theatre. The session will be conducted by the Ministry of Health/National Aids Programme Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Health Sciences in collaboration with Francois Xavier Bagnond (FXB) will be holding a symposium on HIV/AIDS on Friday, December 1, 2006 at 10:00 h in the Learning Resource Centre of the Faculty. The main speaker will be Dr Moses, Director of Care and Treatment FXB, Guyana. The symposium is especially designed for staff of the University.

Spotlight on violence against Women

The Women’s Study Unit of the University will be observing International Day against Violence against Women, with a symposium today, Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 09:00 h in the Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus.

According to the Unit, the theme for the symposium is ‘The State Indirectly Upholds Violence against Women’ and the session is being held in an effort to provide awareness of the multiple effects of violence against women.

Health Sciences service delivery enhanced

The Faculty Health Sciences continues to receive assistance in the form of Medical texts, computers, laboratory equipment, posters, journals and other health related materials and the refurbishing of the Resource Centre, to enhance the delivery of its programmes.

The major contributor to this cause has been the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH/CIDA). Among the gifts received from CSIH/CIDA are five desk top computers for students, four air condition units, networking and internet connection for the entire Faculty and the refurbishing of a classroom for the establishment of the Health Sciences Research Centre.

In addition, the organisation has refurbished and provided equipment for the Microbiology Laboratory. Donations include two CO2 Incubators and Biosafety Cabinet. This laboratory how has the capacity to conduct tests that can diagnose Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections among other cultures.

Berbice holds 5th Convocation

The Berbice Campus' 5th Convocation will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at Tain, Corentyne. Approximately 157 students (40 males and 117 females) will graduate from the following programmes: Certificate in Education, Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Computer Science, Associate Degree in Science (Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology), Diplomas in Accountancy, Public Management, Marketing and Social Work, and Degree in Public Management.

The Pro-Chancellor is expected to officiate; the guest speaker will be Dr Nanda K. Gopaul, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President.

Long Service Awards

The University held its annual Long Service Awards on Thursday, October 26 at the Georgetown Club. The following persons were honoured for their long and dedicated service to the University:
20 Years Service:Ms Dawn Clarke – Registry; Mr Derrick Harper - Office of the Vice Chancellor; Mr Derick Harte - Transport Section; Ms Audrey Irving - Faculty of Social Sciences; Mr Bhagwandass Santebeharry - Facilities Maintenance Division; Ms Ingrid Speirs - University Library; Ms Donna Watterton-Blackmore - Faculty of Social Sciences and Ms Monica Wren – Registry.

25 Years Service: Mr Claude Benjamin - Facilities Maintenance Division; Ms Carmen Lowe - Facilities Maintenance Division; Ms Esther Overton-Ifill – Registry; Mr Diaram Persaud - Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry; Ms Jacqueline Prince – Registry; Ms Sandra Ramnarine - University Library; Ms Olive Samuels – Bursary; Ms Ingrid Vieira – Registry and Ms Veronica Woolford – Bursary.

30 Years Service: Ms Verna Andrews – Bursary; Mr Faizul Bacchus - Facilities Maintenance Division; Ms Claudette Foo - School of Earth & Environmental Sciences; Mr Mohamed Haslim - Facilities Maintenance Division; Ms Rosamund Prince - Facilities Maintenance Division and Mr Walton Thorne - School of Education & Humanities.

World Science Day for Peace observed

The inaugural local observation of World Science Day for Peace and Development, jointly hosted by the University of Guyana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO, held on November 10, was attended by a cross-section of science & technology personnel, secondary school and university students, the University community, and other interested persons. The symposium featured addresses by Ms Dawn Braithwaite, Secretary-General of the National Commission on UNESCO, Mr Navin Chanderpaul, Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development and Mr John Caesar, Former Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Twenty-five posters, featuring the broad spectrum of ongoing research in the Faculty, were displayed with much interaction between the presenters and audience.

The common themes of the presentations were improved investment in science and technology infrastructure, and promotion of science awareness. Ms. Braithwaite called for the mobilisation of science to address social problems while both Mr. Chanderpaul and Mr Caesar made strong appeals for the resuscitation of the National Science & Technology Council and for building capacity local science, technology and innovation. Several strategies for ST&I policy direction and technical research areas were highlighted.
Caption – Participants viewing some of the posters at the Symposium

Christmas spirit abounds on campus

The 11th Santa's Helpers Programme organized by the Public Relations Division in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural Sciences will be launched on Thursday, November 30 at 11:30 h under the Physics Building, Turkeyen Campus. During the ceremony, staff and students will be invited to select the name of a child of their choice from the Christmas tree and purchase a suitable gift.

The gifts will be presented to the children on Friday, December 15, 2006 at the annual Children’s Christmas party.

Meanwhile, The Festival of Nine Lessons with Carols will be held on December 20, 2006 in the Education Lecture Theatre. The 35-member UG Choir will be led by Professor Joycelynne Loncke.