The University of Guyana Annual Report 2019-2020

Credits Photography Leuvina Smith (PACE) University of Guyana Library, Learning Resources Centre Faculties Layout and Design Fox Media & Consultancy Department of Events, Conferences and Communication Cover Art “ Intervowen Destiny” painting by Elodie Smith, Department of Art, Faculty of Education and Humanities Copy Editors Dr. Seeta Shah Roath (DECC) Dr. Taijrani Rampersaud (DECC) Neketa Forde (DECC) Production Design Team Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin Arifa Shahabudden (Office of the Vice-Chancellor) Christine Chowagir (PACE)

ANNUAL

REPORT 2019-2020

The University of Guyana (UG) is Guyana’s 58-year-old state University. With over 10,000 students and 1,000 staff, UG offers over 130 different undergraduate and graduate programmes through its eight (8) Faculties and 12 Institutes. The University has a footprint that spans seven (7) of Guyana’s 10 regions across eight (8) Campuses. The University of Guyana’s over 40, 000 alumni excel nationally and internationally in such areas as Science, Business, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Jurisprudence, Education, and the Arts. This publication is the University’s summary annual report for the year 2019-2020.

Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Xi © December 2020

Cover Art by Elodie CaGe Smith Department of Visual and Fine Arts, University of Guyana

Table of Contents The Council of the University 02 The Management of the University 03 THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA 2019-2020: FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

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Extracts from the Chancellor’s Diary 05 Vice Chancellor’s Summary Report: August 2019 to September 2020 09 Special Summary Report 17 The University of Guyana’s Summary: Statistical Report 2019-2020 20 REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

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Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement (AE) 25 Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement (PACE) 28 Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (IA) 38 Registry 40 Bursary 44 Personnel Division 47 Safety and Security Department 49 Facilities Maintenance Department 51 Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS) 54 Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC) 59 Office of Occupational Health and Safety Unit (OOHAS) 61 Internal Audit Department 62 REPORTS FROM ACADEMIC DIVISIONS 63 Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 64 Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences 70 Faculty of Education and Humanities 75 Faculty of Engineering and Technology 78 Faculty of Health Sciences/College of Medical Sciences 81 Faculty of Natural Sciences 85 Faculty of Social Sciences 91 School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation 95 University of Guyana Library 98 University of Guyana Berbice Campus 103 Institute of Distance and Continuing Education 110 UG Green Institute (UGGI) 117 University of Guyana Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE) 120 Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) 122 SELECTED RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION PROFILES

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The Council of the University

Prof. Edward Greene Chair

Maj. Gen. Ret’d Brigadier Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin Joseph Singh

Mr. Alfred King

Dr. Ivor English

Right Hon. Prof.

David Lammy, MP Envoy Extraordinaire

Mr. Jafar Gibbons

Ms. Jasmine Harris

Dr. Jewel Thomas

Dr. Laurette Bristol

Dr. Lawrence Lewis

Ms. Miriam Andrew

Mr. Navindranauth Rambaran

Dr. Nigel Gravesande

Mr. Patrick De Groot

Ms. Sara Bharrat

Ms. Sonya Roopnauth

Dr. Troy Thomas

Mr. Vincent Alexander

Ms. Natalia Seepersaud

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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University of Guyana’s Senior Management Team (SMT) While the University of Guyana concluded the search for a new Vice-Chancellor, the Council in June 2019 mandated a committee of all statutory officers of the University to manage the University under the leadership of a Chair.

When the new Vice Chancellor was named she expanded the committee to include other managers and re-named it The Senior Management Team (SMT). These are the members:

Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice-Chancellor Xi, Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) and Chair of the TMC

Dr. Emanuel Cummings Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Engagement

Dr. Mellissa Ifill Deputy ViceChancellor, Institutional Advancement

Ms. Yashoda Matabdial Chief Accountant

Ms. Holda Poonai Bursar

Mr. Malcolm Williams Director, Tactical Online Services Unit

Mr. Fidel Captain Manager, Centre for Information Technology

Dr. Jacqueline Murray Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education

Ms. Gwyneth George University Librarian

Dr. Lawrence Lewis Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Ms. Marcellin D’Aguiar Acting Personnel Officer

Prof. Gomathinayagam Subramanian

Mr. Sekhar Malliampati Director TOS-SSETA

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Dr. Nigel Gravesande Registrar

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA 2019-2020: FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

Hon. Priya Manickchand, MP Present Minister of Education (She was appointed in August 2020)

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Extracts From The Chancellor’s Diary Prof Edward Greene, CCH, PhD Chairman of the Council of the University of Guyana from December 2018 to November 2019 when I was appointed. While this Council has seen UG through some of its most vulnerable times in recent history there are a few capstone activities under my Chairmanship which I would wish to highlight.

I. SELECTING THE 11TH VC OF UG: A TRIUMPH OF THE PROCESS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

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The Council, in June 2019, had dictated that the new Vice-Chancellor should be in place within six months, that is January 8, 2020. This process had not significantly advanced by the time of my appointment

by November 2019. This was the first critical task assigned by the Council to me. Therefore, following my initial meeting in December 2019, and following the closing date for applications on January 31, 2020, the Search Committee appointed by Council met on February 4, 2020, and projected the completion of the process on March 31, 2020. Having been forced to shift to a fully online process because of COVID-19, meant that we were unable to complete the process until June 3, 2020. After 16 interviewing sessions and public presentations by the four finalists, the results emerged to be credible and transparent. Council is indebted to the 12 internal and 12 external evaluators for their invaluable contributions to the selection of Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin as the Eleventh, ViceChancellor and first woman Vice-Chancellor, not only in Guyana but in the Caribbean. We reiterate our warmest congratulations to her.

Prof. Edward Greene, CCH, PhD Chancellor of The University of Guyana

his has been an extraordinary year. The advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic has torpedoed many plans. Overall, however, it meant turning this crisis into an opportunity. The alacrity and effectiveness with which UG handled this transition to an efficient online operation must pay tribute to the character of collective and creative leadership that emerged within our national university. This augurs well for the future and deserves our heartfelt congratulations to the Vice Chancellor and her management team, the Registrar and his staff, the Academic, Administrative and nonacademic staff and the adaptability of our students to this new emotional and learning geography. In this context, there have been successes, challenges and emerging prospects for the University.

II. COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEES: A GREAT SUCCESS This Council has placed emphasis on working through sub-committees to advance the implementation of its policy agenda. There are three examples of overwhelming success.

A. Sub-committee on Project Management and Procurement Chaired by Dr. Ivor English and his team, this subcommittee is to review the new Vice-Chancellor’s proposal for the establishment of a Project Management and Procurement Unit which is expected to make the processes of managing capital

I would wish to extend special thanks to the ProChancellor and the Council who held the reins of the University during the search for a Chancellor 5

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

approved by Council on September 11, 2020.

projects in the University more efficient. One of the recommendations coming out of the committee was for the development of a Procurement Guidelines and Procedural Manual. A working group chaired by Dr. English and including Holda Poonai (Bursar), Yasoda Matabadal (Deputy Bursar), Dr. Nigel Gravesande (Registrar), Prof. Leyland Lucas (lecturer), Surkrishnalall Pasha (lecturer), and Attorney Ms. Emily Dodson (the latter two are members the Public Procurement Commission), completed the draft of the first ever University of Guyana Procurement Guidelines and Procedural Manual approved by Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC), December 6, 2020.

C. Sub-committee for the finalization of the University of Guyana Foundation Trust Deed and the nomination of the initial five (5) Trustees This sub-committee is chaired by Mr. Alfred King, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, and including Maj. Gen. (Rt’d) Joseph Singh (ProChancellor), Vincent Alexander (Councilman), and Sonja Roopnauth (Director of Budgets and Councilwoman) and the Vice-Chancellor. It presented the terms of reference of the Trustees that determine their critical roles for the resource mobilization efforts intent on attracting alternative streams of financing and partnership for UG. This was approved by Council on September 11, 2020. The Board was duly constituted in December 2020.

B. Sub-committee on Policies and Processes for Evaluation of Council Appointees Chaired by Dr. Laurette Bristol. This included Maj. Gen. (Rt’d) Joseph Singh (Pro-Chancellor), Dr. Troy Thomas, and Dr. Nigel Gravesande with significant input from the Vice-Chancellor. They produced the first set of detailed policies and instruments including Key Performance Indicators for the evaluation of Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors and other statutory officers including the Registrar; Bursar; Director, University of Guyana Berbice Campus; Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education; and the Librarian, University of Guyana Library. This path breaking document was U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

III. FINANCING AND GENERAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE (F&GPC): PIONEERING NEW STANDARDS This statutory sub-committee of Council, chaired

by Maj. Gen. (Rt’d) Joseph Singh, Pro-Chancellor, pioneered major initiatives this year. These resulted in regular meetings of the F&GPC which received and approved updates to the financial income and 6

University’s brand. These include: • The diaspora, alumni, and friends of UG. • Multilateral agencies beginning with International Development Bank (IDB) through the Caribbean Director, Ms. Therese Turner-Jones, in December 2019 on the various funding streams.

• Corporation leaders and specialists at the Guyana Oil and Gas symposium in 2019 and 2020.

• The Washington D.C. International Professional Group (WIPG). As a member of this group of congresspersons, diplomats, lobbyists and corporate leaders, the Chancellor has had opportunity to interface.

• The Diplomatic Corps in Washington D.C., spearheaded by H.E. Riyad Insanally, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to Organisation of American States, has been very instrumental to engendering access.

expenditure statements and other financial reporting instruments. This committee was also responsible for revamping the administration and management of the University’s pension scheme and streamlining the fiduciary arrangements for timely reporting on the status of the University’s budget to Council. I join the Pro-Chancellor in commending the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, and her management team including the Bursar, Ms. Holda Poonai, among others, for these positive developments.

IV. FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS: A WORK IN PROGRESS Several initiatives are being explored with the Guyana Private Sector Commission and with universities which are being followed up by the Vice-Chancellor and her team. They include the UWI-UG Bridge Project on mutually agreeable priorities and indicative areas of corporation with Howard University and George Washington University, and University of Delaware in the United States of America, and Hubea University in China.

VI. NEW VENTURES WITH OUTWARD REACH: UG BROADCASTING BOARD AND UG FOUNDATION BOARD

V. FORGING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION: ENGENDERING GOODWILL AND ACCESS

Two new ventures chaired by the Chancellor have been established. First, the Trustees of the University of Guyana Broadcasting Board held its inaugural meeting on October 30, 2020. It approved the Trust Deed and established sub-committees on (a) streamlining

In this eventful year there are also several avenues being explored through active promotion of the 7

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

the management of the radio station (b) identifying programme priorities; (c) rationalizing financing and budget; and (d) developing the by-laws.

way for an engagement between the Vice-Chancellor and a technical team from the government to discuss UG’s BluePrint 2040 before the new year begins.

The second is the inaugural meeting of the University of Guyana Foundation Board was held on December 2, 2020. The UG Foundation is expected to chart new paths for resource mobilization and contribute to the viability and upliftment of the international standing of the university.

The BluePrint 2020 is a promising, highly dynamic strategic framework for building out a University fit for the purpose of Guyana’s exciting future. Therefore, as this one year of unexpected challenges and disruption comes to a close, and we enter into another year of countless unknowns, I can only say that UG performed well. It adapted quickly; it showed the discipline and technical acuity needed to serve the people of this country and did so with complete focus and dedication.

VII. UG AND THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA PARTNERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

For delivering in this year, when 30% of the world’s universities could not continue, and in recognition of the stellar roles of members of Council, I take this opportunity to express my very best wishes and appreciation to everyone who supported this gargantuan effort in UG’s community and amongst its friends.

At the beginning of my tenure as Chancellor in November 2019, I met with the then President David Granger and received assurances of the Government’s support for the University. More recently, it was my pleasure, along with Pro-Chancellor, Maj. Gen. (Rt’d) Joseph Singh, to engage the new President, Dr. Irfraan Ali, in a virtual discussion on the future of the University. The President expressed support for UG’s development as the country’s premiere higher educational institution was reassuring. It has paved the

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

May 2021, whatever it holds, meet a UG that is willing and ready as always to deliver.

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Vice-Chancellor’s Summary Report: August 2019 to September 2020 Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, AA, PhD Vice-Chancellor, Xi, University of Guyana been one of wondrous opportunities – an extended moment of creative chaos. I recall writing in our annual report of last year that 2018-2019 was an “annus horiblis” (horrible year). We all hailed and looked forward to 2020 as a year of hope, re-birth, and bounteous promise. Now, faced with the horrors that 2020 has visited, I cannot even recall why we thought 2019 was so terrible. Two thousand and twenty was a year of tremendous challenge in which every nerve, sinew, and muscle of the University was continuously tested in every possible way. But it held and it focused steadfastly upon the task for which it was created - the preparation of technically proficient citizens fit for the purpose of building Guyana.

So, as we leave this year, and enter into another of unknowns, perhaps more challenging vicissitudes than we have yet met, I wish to reflect with greatest humility and gratitude upon the miracle of UG and what the men, women, partners, students, and friends who make up our community achieved in 2019-2020.

Sections three to seven of this report which present highly abbreviated summary reports from all the main departments of the University attest to the work, values, and impact of this great national institution.

UG impacts all forms of life in Guyana, from teaching, research, policy, community service to mentoring.

I wish to thank you all most sincerely for your continued erudite dedication. Without you, UG would be nothing but brick and mortar, which COVID-19 has taught us is just that - brick and mortar.

This report therefore spans the period in which I was the Chair of the Transitional Management Committee (TMC), from September 2019to June 2020, and the brief period I have served as Vice-Chancellor, from July 2020 to September 2020.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin With Humble Heart and Heads Bowed Down, In Thanks for Each New Day of Toil…

Not in vain we strive to build a new Guyana Great and Free, a land o Glory and of Hope, a Land of Love and Unity…

(Hymn of Guyana’s Children)

The Transitional Management Committee was formed by the Council when the 10th Vice-Chancellor’s contract came to an end in June 2019. The Committee was chaired from June 2019 to July 2019 by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Prof. Michael E. Scott, and upon his proceeding on end of contract leave Deputy

This year, 2020, has been a year like no other. Though it has been a year of woes and travails, it has also 9

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, assumed the Chair until June 14, 2020. The TMC comprised of all statutory officers of the University. These officers who served with dedication and distinction are as follow: Prof. Michael Scott; Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Registrar; Mr. Calvin Bernard and Dr. Emanuel Cummings, former and present Chair of the Committee of Deans, respectively; Dr. Jacqueline Murray, Director of the Institute for Distance and Continuing Education; Prof.

Subramaniyiam Gomaitnayam, Director of the Berbice Campus; Ms. Holda Poonai, Bursar; Ms. Yashoda Matabadial (acting Bursar); ex Officio Mr. Jeffery Walcott - Personnel Officer; Ms. Marcellin D’Aguiar, Personnel Officer (ag); Mr. Fidel Captain, Director for Centre of Information Technology; and Ms. Gwyneth George, Librarian. As Chair, I wish to thank them once again for their diligence, support, and hard work during the year of the TMC’s tenure.

I. HUMAN RESOURCES • Reconvenes Appointments Committee which had not met for 18 months.

• Settles over 150 contract matters over 12 meetings held in three (3) months.

• Addresses over 50 promotions matters stuck in the system for over five (5) years.

II. SYSTEMATIZING GOVERNANCE TMC drafted and processed to the point of Council approval nine (9) important polices aimed at solving specific perennial problems within the University.

These are: • Policy on establishing Endowed Chairs and Professors of Practice; • Policy and Procedure on Tuition Waivers; • Revised UG Policy on Service Contracts (Bonding); • Revision of Waiver Policy; • Policy for Admissions for Applicants in Underserved Communities (Led by Dean, College of Medical Sciences); • Remediation Policy for Promotions Hung up for over five (5) years; • Self-report Template for Higher Administrators (Led by three (3) TMC members); • Design of the University of Guyana’s Human Relations Course; and • University Policy for Assessment During Emergencies.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

III. RESTORED RESPECTFUL UNION-ADMIN RELATIONS TMC negotiated and led tabling and approval for nine (9) direct EHANCEMENTS FOR STAFF in close collaboration with UG Unions as follow: A. Enhancements for UB Staff only • Increase in the number of uniforms from three (3) to four (4).

• Increase in uniform allowance for sewing of uniforms.

• Increase in travelling allowance across the board

by GYD $5,000 per person, per month.

B. Enhancements for UB and UA Non-academic Staff • Increase of 10% on vacation travelling allowance across the board.

C. Enhancements for all Staff • Tuition Waivers: These will be quadrupled in number and open to all staff of the University within one (1) year of employment, subject to certain transparent service conditions. Waivers may now be accessed to the 2nd degree by law or blood - so that grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews may enjoy some level of waivers. This was accompanied by a full revised policy.

D. Enhancements for UA Academic and NonAcademic Staff • Increased Academic Materials Allowance from USD $300 to USD $400 based on the selling rate of the United States dollar set by the Bank of Guyana as at the beginning of each academic year. Additionally, all paperwork is waived due to the refund requirement. This is expected to save an average of 45 working days for three (3) staff per annum and allow for better planning, disbursement, and paperless efficiency in the ongoing automation and digitization of the Bursary and Human Resource systems.

• Airfare for travel allowances are adjusted to 75% of the airfare to London as the rate set at the end of January or the year in which it is payable.

Additionally, all paperwork to be submitted is waived due to the removal of the refund requirement. This is expected to save an average of 75 working days for one (1) staff per annum and allow for better planning, disbursement, and paperless efficiency in the ongoing automation and digitization of the Bursary and Human Resource

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systems • Re-instatement of the Loading Allowance for all (Academic and Non-Academic), PhDs, Staff with Doctorates, Senior Lecturers, Readers, and Professors.

• Enhanced Union Relations - commenced cordial relations with the UG Unions by establishing two (2) committees which met regularly and reported on these to Council – Engagement Committee and the Negotiations Committee. Many of the improvements for staff came out of those very cordial engagement meetings. About seven (7) such meetings were held with TMC up to the point of COVID-19 when they were interrupted. They were resumed, though with less regularity, over the last three (3) months of this reporting period.

• Prudent Management of UG’s Financial Business and Health – for the first time in several years, UG began the fiscal year 2020 with its budget in the black and in healthy financial situation. As at the end of September 2020, UG’s financial position was still in the black - though diminishing - due to three (3) unplanned converging conditions: (a)COVID-19 which reduced ability to collect fees on time; (b) forced, unforeseen expenditures for safety; and (c) for on-lining. Further relief was also lobbied for by students and some measure was granted by way of waivers and deferrals.

various forms due to COVID-19. This includes salaries for both part and full-time staff as well as vendors and merchants. This almost impossible task was done from the first month UG went into safe mode with salaries being late only once by one (1) week during the initial period. The team, headed by Ms. Nichelle Bynoe, is to be applauded for this almost impossible task.

We also salute our banking partners and the Council committees who worked tirelessly with us to effect these necessary changes. Our most sincere thanks to Pro-Chancellor, Maj. Gen. (Rt’d) Joseph Singh, Chair of our Finance and General Purposes Committee, for his unstinting attention and support as we navigated these unknown waters. Special thanks to the members of the Committee also.

IV. FINANCIAL HEALTH 2019-22020 The University opened the year 2019-2020 in the black for the first time in over 12 years. Despite severe financial strain in 2019-2020 due to Covid 19 and online provisioning , The University maintained this prudent fiscal performance and also ended academic year 2019-2020 in the black with a small surplus.

D. Effectiveness of Human Response In September 2019, 19 members of the Bursary were signed up to take an Executive Diploma in Human Resources and Management from the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business, University of the West Indies, Barbados. They are progressing well and are expected to complete the diploma in 2021. The teams have also been exposed to strategic experiential learning trips to observe modern systems at other universities as well as been exposed to specific types of training workshops during the year. Additionally, resourcing and strategic division of key functions in the Bursary under the new administration, though still not optimal, has allowed for a clearer focus and responsibility on specific areas.

Introduction of KPI’s and work plans for key staff and departments since August 2020 is also supporting a more streamlined response.

A. Financial Accountability Other measures instituted included review of financial systems, dedicated resources to bringing all outstanding Financial Statements and audits (2014-present) up to date for both UG Pension Scheme and General Accounts. As at the reporting period, Financial Statements for up to 2016 were completed and awaiting review. The 2017 to 2019 statements were due for completion by the first quarter of 2020. Special thanks to the Bursar, Ms. Holda Poonai, and her team for this.

B. Rapid Adaptability The University went from processing 96% of all its payments via paper to 90% processing online in

C. Efficiency of Accounting Systems In 2020, due to prevailing conditions for safety, all paper-based transactions were curtailed and a massive effort to digitize all paper-based systems to effect electronic systems and records and to update the 20-year-old accounting software and systems. This process is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021. Special thanks to Deputy Bursar (ai), Yashoda Matabadial, and Chief Accountant (ai), Olive Samuels, and their teams for this herculean task effected while the Bursar was on accrued end of contract leave from March to July 2020.

E. Change from Bursary to Finance Management Office This process began in earnest in August 2019. However, its planned trajectory was accelerated and revised due to the COVID-19 conditions that forced several aspects,

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which had to do with technology, to come on stream much faster than planned. This is one of the upsides of the COVID-19 period – conversion of the department is now 12 months ahead of schedule.

F. Audit The draft Terms of Reference for the University of Guyana audit were completed by the TMC in collaboration with the Unions and were approved at the Council meeting in February 2020. This was briefly interrupted by the national conditions, but the Bursar has been specifically tasked with overseeing this by the Vice-Chancellor.

With a distinct focus on staff and student success, the Administration has begun to take a close look at the system of management within departments, units, and facilities with a view to strengthen them, providing support of faculty now faced with new and additional tasks associated with onlining as well as improving response time and quality between staff and students.

Some of the innovations have included the provision of chat lines for each faculty, development of virtual offices, and the introduction of a student manned help desk. We wish to thank Mr. Sekhar Mallampati and team, as well as the UGSS and its members and members of other student clubs on campus, for stepping up during this difficult period.

V. CLOSE ANALYSIS AND REVISIONS OF CRITICAL CORE ACADEMIC SYSTEMS

By March 2020, when the University headed into safe Despite the difficult year and loss of about 500 students mode, TMC had already began to revise the system of by the middle of Semester 2, 2019-2020, academic formalizing and publishing grades at UG - the resolution performance with adjusted teaching platforms, of the perennial late grade issues. This was further methodologies, and the introduction of emergency augmented by the introduction of the electronic grade assessment strategy - spearheaded by the Faculty of book system developed by the Registry in collaboration Education and Humanities and refined by the Office with the Director, Software Services and Educational of the Vice-Chancellor and the Academic Board, Technology Application (SSETA), Tactical Online performance was better than previous years. The Services (TOS) Unit. The impact was that though in reasons for this are being interrogated by our research difficult COVID-19 mode, the University was able to teams. However, it must be noted that the greatest return 70% of its grades in less than half the usual time negative impact seems to have been on female (4-12 weeks). Though the uptake of this innovation is students. at 70%, University policy enforcement is expected to ensure 100% uptake by end of Semester 2, 2020-2021. We extend deep gratitude to the University’s lecturers However, it the must be noted thatDrthe greatest impact seems to did haveeverything been on female and administrators who possible to Special thanks to Deputy Registrar, T. M. Velloza, negative and students. team as well as Mr. Sekhar Mallampati and team deliver as we were building the system while working in it. from SSETA-TOS. SEM SEM 1 SEM 2

T-PASS 86% 92%

TS1 A: 7523 (23.2%) B: 8716 (26.9%) C: 7688 (23.7%) D: 3532 (10.9%) BS1 A: 918 (31.1%) B: 1007 (34.1%) C: 594 (20.1%) D: 221 (7.5%)

B-PASS 93% 96% TS2 A: 8343 (45.3%) B: 5222 (28.3%) C: 2500 (13.6%) D: 682 (3.7%) BS2 A: 863 (44.1%) B: 659 (33.7%) C: 295 (15.1%) D: 53 (2.7%)

Notes: In Semester 1, women do slightly better - higher grades In Semester 2, more women did less better in the pandemic Generally, more women dropped out in due to the pandemic

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We extend deep gratitude to the University’s lecturers and administrators who did everything possible to deliver as we were building the system while working in it.

VI. DEDICATED AND DILIGENT DEPUTY VICECHANCELLORS In August 2020, Dr. Emanuel Cummings, the dynamic Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Chair of the Committee of Deans, and Dr. Mellissa Ifill, a notable academic and highly respected Union leader, were appointed to the posts of DVC Academic Engagement and DVC Institutional Advancement. They both have been administrators and have been with the University for over 15 years. They accepted the call to serve in the most difficult of circumstances and are already making a positive difference in their areas of mandate.

We congratulate them and thank them for their commitment to the University and its development.

VII. BUILDING NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES TMC executed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in its year of existence and 11 others have been executed in the last three (3) months by the new administration in the reporting period - these include local, international, business, as well as universities.

These MOU’s all bring resources of some kind to the University and govern reciprocal arrangements for collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, training, laboratory and other equipment, and community projects of mutual interest.

VIII. REFORMING HUMAN RESOURCES TO SERVE THE UG OF THE PRESENT AND FUTURE In November 2019, then DVC-PACE (now VC) led and resourced a UWI Consulting Human Resource Leadership Assessment Process involving 120 persons across the University. This was focused on the Bursary, Personnel Division, and Administration between October and December 2019. The recommendations of this report, along with those of a more comprehensive report conducted by UWI Consulting in 2014-2015, and submissions by the University’s Unions formed the basis of a Human Resource (HR) reform process which began in 2014 and should have been completed by 2017. Lack of dedicated resources, amongst other systemic variables, disrupted the process. However, the process was revised and re-structured since October 2019. This resulted in the Personnel Officer, Jeffery Walcott - who was originally recruited to lead and complete the Personnel Division to reform processes, being asked to refocus on this and to allow another person of his choice to take over the day to day running of the division. As such, Ms. Marcellin D’Aguiar is now acting Personnel Officer and Jeffery Walcott has been focusing on reviewing, revising, and developing

the policy and governance documents for HR systems.

Like the Bursary, all systems within the paper moribund Personnel Division had to be digitized and converted to an online system. This included processing pension documents, contracts, gratuities, leave, interviews, appointments, disciplinary hearings, promotions, etc., in a non-face-to-face environment. They have gone from processing online at 20% to 67% in the last six (6) months. This at first proved to be a long, slow, and difficult process. However, with the assignment of a dedicated officer with the mandate for overseeing and supporting HR matters, the system has been more responsive and seems to be adapting better to the new realties; 14 personnel staff are currently in the UWI’s Human Resource and Management programme, mentioned before, and have also been exposed to experiential and other short course training in the year of reporting.

There are several keys aspects of the conversion to be completed and funded. The process is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2022.

I wish to thank Mr. Walcott, Ms. D’Aguiar, Ms. Braithwaite, and the staff of the Personnel Division as well as more recently DVC Dr. Melissa Ifill for their work in getting our systems online during this difficult time.

IX. STUDENT SUCCESS LINKED TO STAFF SUCCESS: AGGRESSIVE TRANSFORMATION OF LECTURERS AND ADMINISTRATORS Under the TMC, through PACE, over 100 funded inservice scholarships for academic and non-academic staff mobility and succession over the next five (5) years were negotiated. Eighty of these persons are currently in programmes. Twenty were disrupted because of COVID-19 and are expected to begin in Academic Year 2021-2022.

In the meantime, an aggressive programme of recruitment is being pursued - made more possible through the possibilities of remote teaching and a programme of funded Research Chairs and Professors of Practice beginning in 2021.

X. CREATING SUCCESSFUL CITIZENS WHO ARE FIT FOR PURPOSE The Finance and General Purposes Committee (F&GPC) endorsed the Academic Board approved paper advanced by DVC-PACE, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, to pilot a 12-hour service course for

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all University staff and students on Human Relations in December 2019. This project was then handed to Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) to develop and pilot. Nine hundred persons took the course in its first sitting. The assessment and revisions are being done now for full deployment in 2021. We are grateful to all the presenters, Dr. Paulette Henry, and Dr. Charmaine Bissessar for their sterling work, along with Mr. Sekhar Mallampati and team in getting this pilot online and completed.

XI. STAFF, STUDENT, AND STAKEHOLDER SAFETY AND SATISFACTION In December 2019, the security situation of the campus had been close to untenable. As Chair of the TMC, I convened a broad-based security task force to assess and advise on the situation. We worked all through Christmas to arrest escalating attacks of various kinds on the campus and its systems.

By January 2020, a three-phased Comprehensive Security Programme had been created. In the reporting year the following have been completed: (a) campus had been fenced; (b) internal security has been augmented with more bodies; (c) external security has been augmented; (d) vulnerable building has been electronically secured; (e) process of reconfiguring the entrances are to be completed by first quarter in 2021; (f) parking conditions and facilities are to be completed by 2021; (g) we worked with sanitation company to improve the physical appearance of the campus and to ensure it was rubbish free; (h) improved lighting on the perimeter and installation of cameras are in progress to be completed in early 2021 - Project Director Danny Khudu is on board to manage and oversee designs and process; (i) to deal with hazardous waste and other biohazardous problems as well as infection control, we have created a new office of Occupational Health and Safety and staffed it initially to cover all campuses.

They have been creating and managing access and safety protocols for the campus.

One of the hidden but real security threats relates to the online environment. The newly created Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit has a sub-unit dedicated to the management and protection of the University’s online and Internet assets - IT Governance, Research, Innovation, and Security (IGRIS).

XII.GRADUATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS The University, without any major hitch and with the blessings of good weather, completed three (3) U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

graduation ceremonies for Berbice and Turkeyen and five (5) for Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE). The Chair, TMC officiated in all except for one (1) when she was travelling on official business to FIU in the USA. The details of graduands are in the section on statistical summary of the University.

XIII. LONG SERVICE AND SPORTS AWARDS The Sports Department and Personnel Division hosted two very elegant and heart-warming awards ceremonies which were officiated at by Chair, TMC. This is reported upon by the Personnel Division.

XIV. PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE First Professor of Practice Appointed and led development and establishment of the UG Institute for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE).

We congratulate and thank Prof. Patsy Ann Francis for this work along with her assistant, Dr. Tiffany Arthur.

XV. RAISING THE BAR FOR RESEARCH AND ADVANCED NATIONAL INTERESTS In 2019, TMC created the concept notes for four (4) institutionally important Research and Policy Institutes.

Council granted approval to develop the full proposals to create the entities. Two have been created: the Graduate School and the internal Ethics Review Board (ERB). The UG Energy Think Tank and the University of Guyana Institute of Energy Diplomacy are now ready to be presented formally to the various committees within the University for their institutionalization.

It is with great pleasure that we salute the work of Prof. Michael E. Scott and Prof. Judith Rosales and the team from Academic Engagement for developing, presenting, gaining approval, and establishing the University of Guyana’s School for Graduate Studies and Research in July and August 2020. The first Dean is Prof. Judith Rosales. We thank and congratulate them.

XVI. UG-UWI-CLE AGREEMENT This has advanced to the point of final settlement and the negotiating team was led by the Registrar and Head, Department of Law. With the current change in office of the Attorney General, the University is waiting for an engagement with the new Attorney General to finally represent and settle the matter.

XVII. UG PRESS This initiative is now back in operation after a year-long hiatus. A new Manager of UG Press, from within the University, was appointed in September 2020. A public

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consultation was held in October 2020 and a report has been produced. The Editor-in-Chief has accepted to continue and the second publication from the press is currently in publication.

XVIII. DECC AND PMPU Two important new departments have been approved

by Council during the reporting period September 2020.

These are the Department of Events, Conferences and Communications (DECC) and the Project Management and Procurement Unit (PMPU). Regarding the latter, a Council appointed committee created the governance and policy documents. We wish to thank the Chair, Dr.

Ivor English, and members of the select committee.

XIX. ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA The University continues to enjoy close collaborative relationships with several government agencies, in particular the Ministry of Education - through the Hon. Minister and the Permanent Secretary, who sits on UG’s Council, as well as the Director of Budgets who also sits on Council. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Social Protection also work closely with the University at this time.

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XX. UG OF THE FUTURE - BUILDING OUT THE BLUEPRINT 2040

The BluePrint is phased in four (4) 5-year terms. The first year of term one (1) - 2020-2025 - was this year.

UG, in July 2019, began to systematically envisage the grand design features of the University of Guyana of the future in the context of Guyana’s transformation, which has already begun. Two hundred and seventy (270) interest groups from Guyana and externally, gathered over three (3) weekends to review important documents and to deep dive into the issue.

• The reasons for doing this is that the TMC felt that UG must respond quickly, comprehensively, and strategically to seven (7) key drivers of change in its present and future: A growing and changing population in terms of age, migration, and nationality; • Climate change which requires different thinking and response to all the ways of being that we know as humans; • Environmental changes; • Rapidly evolving technology; • Economic changes in light of opening of our oil and gas frontiers; • Geo-political shifts; and • Pandemic and other biological threats.

In this context, the University’s focus for 2020-2021, subject to new policy guidance after the time of writing, is expected to be as follows: • Delivering Quality Higher Education prudently and in Safety and Security • Supporting Staff and Student Success • Enhancing of the Teaching and Learning Environments on three Campuses (Face to Face, IDCE and Virtual) • Expansion of Berbice and IDCE Campuses • Research and Programme development in key nation-critical areas

This process produced a BluePrint for the design of the University of Guyana of the future to culminate in the year 2040 based on four (4) key aspirations: (a) to have a minimum of one (1) graduate per Guyanese household; (b) to lead the world in technical and applied knowledge and result in seven (7) key technical areas; (c) to be the centre of excellence for research and strategic response to Guyana’s present and future grand challenges; and (d) to create a University that produces citizens who are fit for purpose and who succeed.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

XXI. SPEARHEADED UG’S SUCCESSFUL RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC See “Special Report on UG’s Institutional Response to the New COVID-19, March 11 to November 2020” in the next session for detailed information.

I was appointed the Eleventh, Vice-Chancellor of the University after a search and lengthy process which ended in July 2020. I wish to extend my gratitude to the search committee and to all those who helped me to prepare for this new level of service. I also wish to [publicly] thank all the thousands of individuals and institutions who have emailed, called, sent cards, prayers, sent flowers, books, and other messages of congratulations and support. It has been good to know that UG is loved and means as much to so many as it does to me. I wish to renew my pledge here to do as much as I can for as long as I can to help this mighty national treasure fulfil its promise for Guyana, Guyanese and all others who grace our corridors.

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Special Summary Report

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UG’s Institutional Response to the New COVID-19 March 11 - November 30, 2020

his summary is a report of UG’s institutional response from March 11, 2020 to present with respect to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is important to note that despite severe challenges, the University of Guyana never ceased working for a day. The following summary describes how and why.

1. Before any lock downs were announced in Guyana, the Chair, TMC created two (2) multi-disciplinary task forces: (a) an Emergency Task Force for Infectious Diseases and (b) the Emergency Communications Task Force to monitor national and international data, analyse its impacts on Guyana, and create predictive models of direct impacts and actions UG should take. All our subsequent actions therefore have been data and science driven.

2. As a result, UG is the first national entity to announce working online in “safe mode” based on internal modelling.

3. The task forces immediately produced internal protocols for safety, sanitizing, use of public transport, and began to produce in-house, industrial-scale sanitizers needed to sanitize all our buildings and staff.

4. Fifteen (15) sinks with sanitizing materials were installed on UG’s campuses (Berbice and Turkeyen); currently four (4) more are being installed at entrances to the dormitories.

5. Collaborating with the Communications team, they created seven (7) 1-minute “How to Protect Yourself Against nCv19” videos for the general public. These were widely disseminated internally and in the diaspora; they are now on national television.

6. Simultaneously, a task force to support online transition of academic and service systems was activated and this enabled the ensuing actions and applications within two (2) weeks of the safe mode being called.

7. In the first three (3) months (March-June), we added 438 part-time staff to the online teaching platform - Moodle, along with 400 odd full-time

staff, and promoted this to all staff so that in two (2) weeks there was 400% increases in online use on that particular platform. As of November 2020, there are 1026 courses on our online platform. This represents over 80% of all our courses.

8. We sourced the first Zoom Video Communications (Zoom) license on test and then extended within two (2) weeks to full integration with Moodle for all users. Now all lecturers, both part-time and fulltime, have zoom integrated into their UG Moodle accounts.

9. Zoom accounts were also assigned to administrative units to enable efficient coordination and planning meetings.

10. In the beginning, 50 negotiated emergency cell phone plans were accessed from a local cell phone provider and given to all essential staff for use remotely from their homes. Policies and conditions of use were developed and the numbers communicated and published on UG website. This number had grown to 100 cell phones assigned to key service staff who work on a rotation basis every day from work or home.

11. A weekly Communication Update (we are up to Update 17) was produced and released through UG dedicated internal channels - only for our staff and students.

12. We initially purchased and deployed 10 laptops and three all in one printers (print, scan, copy) for the purpose of enabling essential staff working at home and sharing computers with family members to use dedicated UG machines to do UG’s work.

That number is now at 270 laptops deployed to staff along with protocols and a Council approved option of renting to own. This is also available to students.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

13. Tactical Online Services (TOS) Unit negotiated the enterprise version and integration with Moodle for plagiarism software.

14. We integrated and tested two (2) types of online proctoring software which helped to solve a long-term question of how to address online examinations in a limited way. This is still being evaluated.

15. TOS designed and deployed a weeklong Onlining Seminar and over 100 training seminars on the use of all applications introduced for staff.

16. TOS took on the work of designing and training for the online systems needed to securely take UG’s essential finance and personnel systems online.

17. The Registry deployed two student experiences surveys (5000 respondents) and produced two reports which provided the empirical basis for the decisions we made from April to present.

18. Based on survey data, we negotiated with GTT a zero-rated data use for any staff or student using a site with a UoG URL. Staff and students do not pay now for going online when using our dedicated systems to learn.

19. We deployed a response e-mail interface for processing unusual requests, which could not be accommodated by the present software applications. This initiative enabled students and lecturers to report issues not captured in the questionnaire which needed to be addressed. To date, 702 e-mails have been received and collated for onward transmission to those who need to act.

20. We later added 19 student lines for a help desk and 15 chat lines - one per faculty, specifically - to assist with the applications process and the issues created in part by COVID-19, Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), and the feeder institutions which are still to conduct final exams.

21. We introduced several pathways for students struggling in these circumstances to manage academic and other challenges. An emergency policy is now in place for other eventualities like this.

22. We deferred payments of outstanding fees in U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

response to requests from students twice as an early mitigation measure.

We revised the applications process and deployed different systems and resources to take off the backlog, including granting provisional entry and moving dates for payment towards the middle of the semester.

We introduced electronic transcripts and online payment systems and introduced, for the first time, a mailing service for graduation certificates.

23. Based on modelling and assessments, our return to the physical campus is now re-scheduled to June 2021, tentatively. As such, Semester 1, 20202021, and all courses and systems associated with it, had to be brought online. This was done for 998 courses.

24. As such, UG’s Academic Calendar was revised so that end of Semester 1, 2019-2020 was extended to June-July 2020 and the start of the new academic year to November 6, 2020. All orientations were done online, with support from the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC) and TOS. 25. A rolling registration was introduced to account for CXC decisions about its CSEC and CAPE exams for 2020 till October 26, 2020.

26. Semester 1, 2020-2021 will end in February 2021 and Semester 2, 2020-2021 will begin in March and end in July, 2021. A possible choice of online, faceto-face or blended could be offered to students.

27. Graduation will be in March 2021 for students graduating in 2020. All matters for these students are to be prioritized to enable their graduation.

Letters of completion or transcripts, in the first instance, are to be supplied gratis till graduation.

28. Advanced actions have been taken to source and re-source resources for the 20-25% of UG staff and students who are capacity and resource challenged to continue their education online.

29. Action Assessment Project deployed “UG Cares” to provide material and psychosocial assistance to UG staff, students, and alumni with philanthropic, student, and volunteer resources. This project, now in its second phase, has fielded over 2,700 calls

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in the last six (6) months.

collaborations with our social work departments as well as our psychology and medical school.

30. On COVID-19 specifically, we continue to work with our national and internal scientists and geneticists on long term solutions regarding the testing, prevention, management, and curative aspects of managing the disease. Through the office of DVC-AE, 12 staff at UG were trained to take tests and manage cases. It is expected that UG will do its own testing for suspected cases under a special agreement with the Ministry of Health.

31. On the physical side, though practicing safe mode and physical distancing, the campuses have not been abandoned. Small teams of essential staff have continuously ensured security, cleanliness, fumigation, and maintenance of labs and centres that are running sensitive and continuous processes. The creation of 15 Zoom rooms on campuses is in process and is expected to end in January 2020.

32. The new Office of Occupational Health and Safety (OOHAS) has created several protocols and training and is managing the gradual re-opening of the University in accordance with assessments and GOG ordinances.

33. UG’s Infectious Diseases Task Force has continued working closely with progressive sections of the GOG to support research and policy on infectious diseases. The design for a full institute has now emerged out of this process.

34. UG is supporting the mental health of especially frontline workers and others through close

35. UG hosted, in collaboration with regional and international partners, two special online fora for delivering online education - in the Guyana context - as data driven forum for all educators interested in a focused discussion based on solutions and impact.

36. We launched, in collaboration with the Judiciary, guidelines for reporting on domestic violence in response to the steep rise in such cases during this stressful period.

37. We continue to research and solicit resource opportunities for addressing the needs that the pandemic has created.

Despite being totally unprepared for this pandemic, and though the challenges are real and stubborn in some cases, they are not insurmountable, and we have proven that despite all of these challenges that UG has not stopped functioning for one single day. This is a testament of the goodness, resilience, and innovative spirt of the men and women who make up this great national institution and who I have had the humbling but distinct honour to serve with in this period as Chair of the University’s Transitional Committee and now as Vice-Chancellor.

I wish to extend my own and the University’s profound thanks to the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, and members of the Council, members of the TMC and SMT, student clubs and societies, businesses, and all others who aided and supported this process.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

The University of Guyana’s Summary Statistical Report 2019-2020 Source: Office of the Registrar and the SSETA-TOS

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Institute of Distance and Continuing Education IDCE REGISTRATION STATISTICS The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education enrolled eight hundred and fifty-seven (857) students across all its centres. The table below illustrates a breakdown in relation to gender at each geographical location.

GRADUATION The IDCE held graduation exercises across all its four locations. A total of four hundred and ninety-four (494) students graduated irrespective courses and programmes. The table below summarizes the total number of students who graduated across all the centres.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

REPORTS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement (AE) I. VISION To provide leadership and management towards the delivery of quality academic products and services in a modern and enabling environment.

II. MISSION The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement (ODVC-AE) exists to assist in the pursuit of the vision and mission of the University of Guyana in the achievement of academic excellence. The Office, which reports to the Vice-Chancellor, executes its mandate under four (4) primary pillars: (a) Research; (b) Teaching and Learning; (c) Quality Assurance; and (d)External Engagement for Academic Advancement.

Further, in addition to managing the Recess Period, the ODVC-AE also sources and manages specific projects as well as develops and coordinates demand-driven, customized courses and programmes emerging from stakeholders’ requests.

In collaboration with key stakeholders, the ODVC-AE strategically manages processes to develop human capital that is relevant, creative, analytical, disciplined, respectful, and ethical in contributing to sustainable development and wealth creation in Guyana.

III. OBJECTIVES • Support and oversee the efficient and professional management and development of academic programmes and systems consonant with the University of Guyana’s BluePrint 2040 and its strategic objectives from 2020-2025.

• Consolidate and strengthen current prestige programmes.

• Pursue, manage, and deliver national registration and programme accreditation for the University.

• Establish, manage, and deliver quality control in

areas of academic delivery.

• Restore and refocus programmes of strategic importance.

• Develop institutional arrangements and programmes which are relevant to current and emerging national development priorities (e.g., the environment, safety and security, crime, land management, mental health and suicide, agriculture and aquaculture and energy).

• Enhance delivery capabilities in faculties and departments.

• Oversee the general management of all academic units in close collaboration with deans.

• Review, pursue, and develop meaningful and sustainable engagements with and including membership of key national, regional, and global institutions in order to enhance quality through advisory services and projects.

• To oversee, with the office of the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, in the development of the University’s research agenda and projects.

IV. DIVISIONAL VALUES • Reliability • Expedience • Service • Integrity • Teamwork • Empathy • Success V. PILLARS • Research • External Engagement for Academic Advancement • Teaching and Learning • Quality Assurance

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

signal and other accomplishments of the ODVC-AE team. The teamwork ethic of togetherness (“togetherin-oneness”), diligence, expedience, quality service, and adaptive leadership must be commended particularly in the challenges endured and surmounted.

1. Specified Assigned Tasks Source: Handing over Brief by Prof. Michael Scott; September 17, 2020 Activities/Tasks • Coordination and pursuit of requirements pertaining to Institutional Registration with National Accreditation Council (NAC).

• Consultations with Committee of Deans, et al, on requirements to be adopted pertaining to programmes of study and graduation requirements to be adopted by the University.

• Review of Academic Collaboration Agreements and other agreements with matters of academic import entered with national, regional, and international institutions.

• Establishment of Internal Ethics Review Board (ERB) to support the University’s Research Architecture • Initiated and Established of School of Graduate studies and Research (SGSR)

Prof. Michael E Scott

VI. ACCOMPLISHMENTS A. Under the Tenureship of Prof. Michael Scott: During November 1, 2019 and October 31, 2020 Excluding end of contract leave from September 16, 2020 to October 31, 2020 The Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement was held from June 2016-November 2020.

Prof. Scott retired from the office effectively in August 2020 when he proceeded on end of contract leave and then a sabbatical. Dr. Emanuel Cummings assumed this office in July 2020 upon his appointment by new ViceChancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin. We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Scott for his service during his tenure.

This period was effectively underlined by UG being in transition mode and disrupted by the COVID19 pandemic, which resulted in the total lockdown of the University from mid-March 2020 to the time of reporting. I take this opportunity to commend every member of the ODVC-AE team including Ms. Padmini Persaud-Roberts (formerly responsible for quality assurance), Mr. Alexander Betton-Haynes (formerly responsible for curriculum development and review), and Ms. Shameza David for their contribution to the U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Other Tasks The other assigned tasks not captured above include: • Attendance at online meetings as Member of Commonwealth of Learning Academic Board, ref.

Commonwealth Master in Business Administration (CMBA) and Commonwealth Master in Public Administration (CMPA), which normally included the Dean and Assistant Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences to respond to specific matters.

• ODVC-AE Manuals developed for Recess Period and for Associate in General Studies Nexus Programme.

• Member of Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) National Working Group. Note: contact person Planning Officer, Ministry of Education.

• Approve/Recommend leave based on applications for pertinent faculty and staff on Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS).

• Delivered several special academic and other presentations and lectures upon request by UG and other stakeholders.

• Convenor for Special Committee to review initial document on Tenureship and make recommendations as mandated by Appointments

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Committee to which the report was circulated.

B. Under the Tenure of DVC-AE Cummings (reporting period July to Sept 2020) • Actively supported the work of CoETaL in reconfiguring its activities online, e.g., developing the Advisement and Staff Orientation Manuals.

• Completed the hiring of all vacant staff positions in the department.

1. Initiated • Coordination and preparation pertaining to Institutional Registration with National Accreditation Council (NAC); • Presented UGSGSR proposal to Academic Policy and Planning Committee (AP&PC) which has been commended and endorsed.

• A Research and Publications Policy was replicated on the mandate of Academic Board using various acknowledged sources, and adapted, 2. Highlights • Assisted in the completion of the agreement with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications ref. initiatives to technologically resource UG to serve the disabled.

• Commenced the review of some institutional partnership engagements while exploring other opportunities regarding internships and practice, MOUs, and Academic Collaboration Agreements, e.g., Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada.

• Collection and compilation of the necessary Documentation for Registration of UG from various faculties, departments, and units. To date, documents have been submitted from some faculties and units, and reviews of the same are ongoing.

• Enhancing internal capacity via online training ref. Quality Assurance for Blended and Online Learning through Webinars hosted by Inside Higher Education.

• Continued delivery of the Associate of Arts in General Studies (AAGS) for the second cohort of Ensigns. This second cohort began training in July 2019 and are currently completing the final block of courses. They will be part of the graduating class of 2020.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, Dr. Emanuel Cummings

• Confirmation from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to commence the third cohort of the AAGS programme.

• Coordinated data collection for the ILO Green Jobs Assessment Model project - a multi-stakeholder agreement established to build Guyana’s capacity to develop and generate a Green Jobs Assessment Model for Guyana focused on the assessment of future oil production and climate policies as formulated in the National Determined Contributions (NDCs). The objective of this project is to support the development of an Experimental Green Jobs Assessment Model (X-GJAM).

• Developed the Standard Operating Procedures for the recess period.

• Reviewing protocols for Advisory Boards.

• Continued work on the UGSGSR and UG Research Ethics Review Board.

• Commenced the review process of UG’s affiliate programmes.

• Campus outreach with the staff at the Tain location, University of Guyana Berbice Campus ref. academic related matters.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Office of the Vice-Chancellor Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement (PACE)

he Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni, and Civic Engagement (PACE) was established by Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin in October 2016. It continued to be managed by her while she acted as Chair, Transitional Management Committee (TMC) from August 2019July 2020 when she was appointed the Eleventh Vice Chancellor. Several aspects of the office are still managed by the Vice Chancellor.

During the reporting period, PACE had a full-time staff of Christine Chowargir (Senior Alumni Officer); Trovana Azeez (Senior Philanthropy Officer); Jermin N. Hinds (Senior Community Engagement Officer); Tara Smith (AV Specialist); Afica Esbrand (Executive Assistant up to February 2020); Sharyl Bacchus (Executive Assistant from January 2020 to present); and Marvin Singh (Driver). Merlene Gopaul was a project-based accounting officer during this period. Special thanks to these staff, especially Ms. Chowgrir who carried out the functions of the office effectively while Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin carried the functions of Chair, TMC, DVC-PIE, and DVC-PACE from August to July 2020.

I. CAPITAL INVESTMENTS From 2019-2020, PACE raised GYD $1,051,300,130 (USD $$4,867,130.23). Seventy-six percent (76%) of gifts received were in kind and 24% in cash.

The highest portion (42%) of receipts were allocated to training, scholarships, and research; 41% was allocated to books and equipment; 10% to infrastructure, security, and hardware; 3% to systems strengthening; and 1% to activities and projects. This figure represents U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

about 9% of the funding gap. While COVID-19 conditions in the second part of the Academic Year 2019-2020 forced unplanned spending in IT and safety measures, conditions severely restricted fund raising in the second half of the year. The University is, however, immensely grateful to those companies who despite economic downturns still honoured their pledges to the University. Most notably, ExxonMobil, Hess and Partners, Haliburton, CGX and Frontera Inc., World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, UNICEF, Trent University, Arizona State University, and the University of the West Indies.

II. TOP 10 ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT Throughout the year, PACE also continued to work on policy and programme development. The following are some key areas supported in 2019-2020.

A. Programme Development • Supported the development and roll out of the Masters in Clinical Psychology.

• Initiated and designed the development of the UG Human Relations Course. The first of its kind Human Relations course is aimed at supporting diversity, exposure, dialogue, and modelling of appropriate attitudes and behaviours amongst UG’s 12, 000 strong community of staff and students. The course will also be opened to the public.

• Negotiated and managing administrative support for the Executive Diploma in Human Resource Management, UWI for 31 UG staff in the Bursary, Personnel Division and faculty

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• • •

•

•

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administrative offices in an effort to transform its current Personnel Division to a complete Human Resource Department and the Bursary into a modern Finance Management Office by enhancing the capacity of its existing staff to be suitable functionaries within the new departments.

Development of Media Guidelines for Reporting on Interpersonal Violence. The guidelines were designed for media professionals by the University of Guyana with support from the Chancellor of the Judiciary and UNICEF. Negotiated and managing administrative support to the Education Doctorate Leadership programme cohort of 20 persons.

Negotiated and managing administrative support to the PhD Research in six (6) technical areas cohort of 20 persons.

Negotiated and managed GTT’s contributions to UG’s onlining process in response to COVID-19 with zero rating and provision of data for a period to key staff and students.

Negotiated and led the management of the University’s response to COVID-19 and physical security threats, including securing funding for certain aspects of the same.

Negotiated and managed, with the Bursary, the design and funding of the upgrading of the Bursary’s SAGE systems to make them more efficient.

Student and Staff Support Fund: A total of GYD $1, 110,000 in loans and grants was disbursed to 10 students and six (6) staff members who were in dire situations for the year 2020.

B. Engagement Activities On the engagement side of its mandate, PACE, despite severe face to face curtailment of activities from March 2020 due to COVID-19 and other national conditions, the following key activities were carried out, in some cases adapting quickly to the online format: • Turkeyen and Tain Talks 22: Special Edition on Leadership provided the opportunity for Guyana’s aspiring leaders to present their envisioned place in Guyana’s political future. The event was held on January 30, 2020 at the Pegasus Hotel and had over 300 registered attendees in person and online. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLUgB_L2HQqxG65J965K62XYNhz_ P2FgjP • University of Guyana Energy Think Tank (UGETT): Brain Thrust 11 Stakeholder Education Series was held on February 10, 2020 was focused on building

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capacity for the public accountability and oversight committee of the Natural Resource Fund. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYI qkDrB6f_8WdAwUGgENR2-HAhimbf26 Professorial Lecture Series 2020: Facilitated through PACE, these lecture series aimed to promote, support, and share the expertise and achievements of all of UG’s recognized professors.

Four lectures were completed for 2020 and, due to COVID-19, the others are currently on hold. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MukjWDmVXkc&list=PLYIqkDrB6f__ UYDGcPFIXvw97GijP0OGO Valentine’s Day: PACE’s annual staff appreciation token is about saying thank you to the staff for all they do to help UG to truly be what it is. This year I Love UG t-shirts were distributed by PACE to staff at both Turkeyen and Berbice Campuses.

Guyana Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): – Based on the vision for SPE which is to advance the oil and gas community’s ability to meet the world’s energy demands in a safe, environmentally responsible, and sustainable manner. Elections for the Guyana Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) was successfully held on February 14, 2020 with support from PACE. Honouring Literary Icon Community Festival Project 50/57: The project was divided in two phases aimed at honouring six (6) writers/artists across race, gender, and geography of Guyana for each phase. This was done by: (a) erecting a billboard at entrance of the village of birth with brief biography and image as well as quote for each icon; (b) co-ordinating a reading from these works by young, upcoming writers at a public or other safe space in the communities; and (c) gifting a collection of their books/art work, etc., to an existing library, school or community centre in the communities of birth. Phase one was completed in February 2020 and phase two is to be completed in 2021, or as soon as conditions allow.

Supported the Precursor to UG 2nd Diaspora Engagement Conference: This was done on the February 27, 2020 at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) under the theme “Investing in Guyana’s Emerging Business, Indigenous, Women, and Youth Leaders.” The conference was scheduled for May 28–June 1, 2020 but, due to COVID-19, it was put on hold.

Online launch of Musical Icon Dave Martins Documentary: The life of the man behind the U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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band, a 30-minute documentary on the legend was premiered on Easter Sunday, April 6, 2020 in celebration of Mr Martin’s birth anniversary and to promote Guyanese culture and diversity in music.

UG Cares Project: The initiative is supported by students and staff of the University of Guyana psychology and social work programmes, in collaboration with PACE, GTT, and other philanthropic donors, to fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic by providing physiological and socioeconomic support to help bring relief to students and staff who are in crisis. The project commenced in May 2020 and is ongoing. A total of 576 persons have benefited from the project to date in the form of care packages. Up to time of reporting, UG Cares psycho-social hotline has received 2,704 calls for counselling support and other social services. They also provide support to GTI and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Human Services and Social Security referrals.

COVID-19 Community Outreach: In supporting the national effort in combatting COVID-19, PACE gifted the Palms Geriatric Home, DemeraraMahaica Regional Health Office, Region Six Regional Democratic Council, and Region Ten Regional Health Office with a quantity of sanitizing supplies, masks, oximeters, and thermometers.

These donations were done during the months of June and July 2020.

Supported World Wildlife Fund (WWF) handing over of gift: PACE supported the online handing over ceremony of books to the Faculty of Natural Science son June 30, 2020.

Online Launch of Media Guidelines: Guyana Media Guidelines for Reporting on Interpersonal Violence was officially launched on July 16, 2020 with support from the Chancellor of the Judiciary and UNICEF. Link: https://zoom.us/rec/share/gggm_ K5d5HTB9c5deHE7DnHoI8kzKDpjfbUa43fc1bR. RTXX0-xesgs1thkQ University of Guyana Onlining Seminar: This fiveday seminar was held from September 7-11, 2020.

The objective was to provide a basic introduction to staff on the process of creating and delivering online, university level education as we move into a more systematic online mode for Semester 1, 2020-2021. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/ t?list=PLBS6IPZbop4UxNtoSB2LQFnpyJh2mWjvp The University of Guyana Town Hall Meeting (Staff): The objective of the forum was to facilitate open dialogue with our University’s community. It was held on September 9, 2020 online.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• UG Press Public Consultation Online: The purpose of the consultation was to provide a forum to consult on the structure, focus, and future of the UG Press. It was done on September 23, 2020. Link: https://zoom.us/rec/ share/WA9nQKI3AB2g_DkkWci1IEdoOJRN_ vFLV745vFDEGnFJ2Qscq9q6k31qv0-wPCL1. gtgnWeD5pCUU7qV?startTime=1600869088000 Passcode: Q$R6K@YQ • Supported EDOSS’ Onlining with Rapidity and Quality Workshops: The two interactive online workshops were based on the layout features and procedures for online class site aimed at streamlining delivery and engaging students was held on September 29, 2020. Link: https://youtu. be/tSPZQ9uE_6k • Supported DECC with Orientation Week Activities: Orientation was conducted online from October 5-9, 2020 for new and continuing students.

• #UG PPL 3rd Edition, Online Magazine: The 3rd Edition will be available to the public by the end of December 2020. The purpose, as the name suggests, is to showcase, connect, support, and promote our #UG PPL in our local, regional, and international platforms. The magazine features a creative mixture of stories from inspirational alumni to business opportunities at UG. C. Ongoing Projects • University of Guyana’s Yucatan Centre for Greening Research, Information, and Sustainability (CeGRIS) funded by Mexico: The project was developed by Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin and is currently being driven by herself and team with support from the Ministry of Finance, the Mexican Embassy, and IDB as the Fiduciary.

The aim of the project is to develop the physical infrastructure needed to support the University of Guyana’s Greening Projects. The proposed three (3) wing complex will be situated at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus and responds to four dire needs of the University.

• UG INN (Public, Private Partnership) funded by the Government of Guyana (executing agency: Ministry of Education): UG INN is a proposed three level facility at the University of Guyana’s property at Pere and Public Roads, Georgetown, Guyana. This will create a 30 room facility used for: A small hotel to host University’s visitors in the future, which will both earn revenue for the University and save the University some of its expenditure on housing visitors; and the inn

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will be used as a teaching facility for students in the University’s tourism, and business and entrepreneurship programmes. Students will gain hands-on experience in managing the facility; and two conference rooms will be available for rental and use by the University as needed.

• UG BluePrint 2040: The blueprint is fundamentally focused data driven thematic sessions involving stakeholders (in and outside of UG and Guyana) working together in a guided process to blueprint (design) the future University of Guyana of 2040 and beyond. Encounters 1 - The Examining Context and Encounter 2 - The Development/Designing Context were completed in 2019. Encounter 3 is currently in the pipeline.

• Literary Icon Honouring Festival Project 50/57 funded by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport: Phase 2 will be executed hopefully in 2021 due to the nature of the project and effects of COVID-19.

• UG Cares Initiative Action Assessment Project: Currently ongoing; supplying care packages based on a certain set criterion; creating and disseminating communication materials especially on prevention, nutrition, and care to hard to reach communities; providing educational support to children in orphanages; and providing counselling support to persons in psychological distress.

• Guyana Resilient and One (GRO): This is currently on-going. It is a programme to advance Guyana’s sustainable economy through investments in education, research, sustainable management, and conservation of the country’s vast ecosystems.

GRO is a collaboration established among Conservation International (CI), Arizona State University, and the University of Guyana and is funded through a grant agreement between the ExxonMobil Foundation and CI.

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50/57 Literary Festival

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Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (IA) creation - with internal and external stakeholders towards the advancement of the University of Guyana.

The three functions of the office are: • Community Engagement and Oversight for specific areas; • Human Relations and Development; and • International Engagement.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Dr. Mellissa Ifill

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eputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mellissa Ifill, was appointed to the new Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) as was recommended in the Hamilton Report of 2012. This office combines some of the functionality of the office formerly known as Planning and International Engagement (PIE), along with the disbanded Department of Strategic Initiatives (DSI), and some functions of PACE (while some functions remain with the Vice-Chancellor). The office also takes in some hitherto areas which were not clearly defined and had no direct oversight such as staff and student welfare, oversight for UG’s research institutes, and its international grant development arrangements.

The aim of IA is to build an effective and responsive culture of engagement with regard to resource, relationship, care, knowledge building, and project U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

The office is currently being built out and the full complement of staff is expected to be in place by the end of 2020. Under engagement and oversight, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement (ODVC-IA) has managed aspects of the University of Guyana’s institutional relationship with international agencies, universities, and institutes via membership, MOUs, Letters of Agreement, and collaborations. These include the following: • The Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network.

• Partnerships and MOUs involving Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, African Universities under the auspices of the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent, and UN Sub-Regional Office for Africa.

• Letters of Agreement with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to further train university leaders from CoETaL and Educational Onlining Support Services (EDOSS) as well as staff in online delivery.

• A collaboration between University of Guyana Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE), the Gender Studies Institute, and a UK based organization - Girls in Charge - to provide leadership training for girl student leaders in entrepreneurship.

• A LOA between University of Guyana Green Institute (UGGI) and the Chinese Embassy for a research study.

• Supported the preparation and submission of a research proposal for grant funding by the Director, University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) and the Dean, Graduate School to Canada’s International Development Research Centre.

• The ODVC-IA has also been promoting the advancement and welfare of staff and students

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through the following: • Giving oversight to and supporting the change management process of the Personnel Division to a Human Resource Department.

• Oversight for HR processes including leave, appointments, and promotions during the first semester of the 2020-2021 academic year.

• Spearheaded a working group between the UG Administration and the UG Unions and prepared a draft leave policy for UB and certain categories of UA staff in light of COVID-19. Working with the team on a comprehensive draft leave policy document.

• Assisting in the provision of student welfare services.

The ODVC-IA also developed draft protocols/protocols and guidelines to guide students and staff in various forms of international engagement. These included: • Protocol for faculties/units to guide them on the

timelines required to secure institutional support to faculty proposal/project submissions to funding agencies.

• A listing of international projects/agencies that UG faculty could apply to – either jointly or in partnership. Following refinement, this will be circulated to faculties/units.

• A list of scholarships and fellowships at masters and doctoral levels and career enhancement opportunities that are open to UG faculty (both academic and non-academic). Information ref. deadlines, priority areas of funding, and application period would be included.

• An International Student Engagement strategy document and protocol to govern international recruitment and student exchanges.

The ODVC-IA has also provided oversight to institutes and units and worked on several special projects in the pipeline in collaboration with the Vice-Chancellor.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Registry

Registrar, Dr. Caesar Nigel Gravesande I. VISION To create a comprehensive, integrated, and highest quality network of targeted services to support student success and governance at the University of Guyana.

to be noted that there were a total of 41 international registered students at the University in the Academic Year 2019-2020. All 41 students were enrolled at the Turkeyen Campus.

II. DIVISIONS The Registry comprises: • Office of the Registrar • Office of the Deputy Registrar • Admissions Division • Committees and Archives Division • Examinations Division • Records and Data Management Division • Students’ Welfare Division (Student Services; Sports; Medical; Guidance and Counselling) • Maintenance and Administrative Support Division

B. Committees and Archives Division During the Academic Year 2019-2020, the Committees and Archives Division played a lead role in the search for both a Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor for the University of Guyana. Additionally, the division offered secretarial duties to all statutory meetings along with sub-committees (Council; Council Sub-committees; Academic Board; Academic Policy and Planning Committee (AP&PC); Board for Graduate Studies; Finance and General Purposes Committee; Committee of Deans; Disciplinary Committee; and the Learning Resources Facilities Committee). Among the search process, statutory committees, and elections. the unit serviced/facilitated a total of 91 meetings/sessions during the period of September 2019 to August 2020.

A. Admissions Division During the Academic Year 2019-2020, the Admissions Division processed a total of 6,826 applications which represented a reduction of applications by 2.7%.

However, the total enrolment statistics for 2019-2020 represented an increase from 2018-2019 by 6.1%. It is U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

C. Examination Division The transitioning process from face-to-face to online

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presented its own unique challenges, however, during the transition it has allowed the division to begin the review of its existing policies and procedures and to digitize those processes as part of the Students Records Management System (SRMS). Please see highlights of the services provided during the interregnum: • The processing of transcripts continued uninterrupted and where submitted to reviewing institutions and alumni electronically.

• Continuous assessments were conducted and the information on the conduct of these examinations were communicated to the division.

• Interactive PDF forms for Reviews, Resit, and Supplemental Examinations were created.

D. Records and Data Management Division 1. Physical Records Management of all the University of Guyana Employee Files • Approximately 85 permanent employee files were created for new staff members.

• Approximately 200 files were requested, retrieved, and circulated between the Personnel Division and the Bursary.

• Renovation works to the B14 storage room commenced.

2. Digitisation Project between the University of Guyana and Bazilio Cobb Associates • This project continued and there was the signing of

the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Guyana and Bazilio Cobb Associates spearheaded by Dr. Theodosius Velloza, Deputy Registrar, University of Guyana and Ms. Tracy Featherstone, Bazilio Cobb Associates.

3. Work-study Students • The division welcomed three work-study students from the Government Technical Institute (GTI). The students spent a period of six weeks learning the basics of the filing system currently employed by the division.

4. Student Internship • In collaboration with the Software Division, the division was able to benefit from the voluntary services provided by one student intern who completed the process of documenting the different steps involved in the use of the SRMS from the student perspective.

5. Surveys • Execution and analysis of survey titled “Use of Online Learning Platforms by the University of Guyana.”

• Execution and analysis of survey titled “University of Guyana 2020 Recess Period Student Interest Survey.”

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6. Enhanced Exams and Marksheet Interface • The Quickstep User Guide document on the Enhanced Exams and Marksheet Interface including the flowchart were created by the division.

E. Students’ Welfare Division • The year under review was initially routine as it related to the work of the administrative office but transformed in the complexity of issues to continue virtually as a result of the global pandemic. The main activities of Semester 1, 2019-2020 included the planning and execution of the annual programme of Orientation activities for the Turkeyen Campus.

This event, occurring from August 27–30, 2019, was executed without incident. However, it continued to be plagued by the historical dearth of dedicated funding, scheduling clashes with Faculty Orientation Programmes (albeit to a lesser extent), and low participation rates from the freshmen class (the year under review saw a mere 16% attendance over the four-day week of orientation activities from the total students enrolled).

• Processing of dormitory applications occurred simultaneously with the above-named activity owing to the fact that admission to the dorms

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

are inextricably linked to the student’s admission offer to the University. The University of Guyana Students’ Society Elections was coordinated and executed during the period October 2-5, 2019 without incident at both campuses and a new student government was subsequently elected and installed.

• Throughout this semester, routine administrative activities continued in the background in respect of preparation of status letters, verification, and of graduate credentials and/or certificates, issuance of certificates, receipt and processing of student complaints, processing of legal name changes for students, and other miscellaneous requests which are filtered through the offices of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and other work units of the University.

• The main work focus from January through midMarch, 2020 was preparation of all academic certificates for the class of 2019 for both campuses.

F. Maintenance and Administrative Support Division • Office furniture were provided to the Students’ Welfare and Committees and Archives Divisions;

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computer, peripherals, and laptops were also supplied to other divisions as well. The Registry received eight (8) cell phones and eight (8) laptops from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. These were distributed to the UGBC and Divisions of the Registry, including the Office of the Registrar.

Rectification of maintenance issues to the Registry building included the removal of dilapidated window shades and other requests.

III. SUMMARY: MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING 2019-2020 • During the period under review, the Registry had to switch its operations from the physical University environment to conduct most of it operations virtually. This transition was done with minimum issues in some areas and major impacts in other areas such as the Admissions, Examinations, and Students Welfare Divisions as the team learnt to conduct its operations online. The following are some of the key activities which were supported during the period.

A. Selection of a Vice-Chancellor The Committees Unit commenced its major support role to the VC Search Committee on February 4, 2020 after which 11 statutory meetings, seven training and orientations sessions, and one session for tabulation and verification of candidates’ scores were held in an effort to complete the Search Process. The unit also organized and facilitated 16 engagements with the four (4) VC candidates using Zoom meeting and webinar facilities. During this process, the unit undertook the huge task of all secretarial duties for the VC Search

Process which culminated on June 1, 2020 with the selection of Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin as the Eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

IV. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • The University of Guyana’s Registry must, of necessity, adjust with maximum alacrity to what is now been characterized as the “New Normal” as COVID-19 has changed many jobs and continues to change many while putting some in a new perspective at the University’s Registry. Indeed, it is a perspective that immediately requires the expansion of the human resources with new skill sets that must include, but not limited to, soft skills (inter-personal skills), critical thinking (problem solving), and design thinking in a growing digital service environment. Additionally, the growth trajectory of the University will continue for the next two decades if the nation is to achieve the minimum desirable ideal of one (1) University graduate in every household in Guyana. In fact, this constitutes a major plank in the emerging BluePrint 2040 being developed by the University of Guyana.

• In order to support the trajectory of the University of Guyana, the Registry has the following goals and plans to be enacted over the next three (3) years:

- Continue the reorganization of the Registry’s

staffing structure; and

- Establish an Electronic Records Management

System within the Office of Committees and

Archives Division.

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Bursary • • • •

Transparency and consistency Integrity and honesty Respect Self-discipline

IV. SEGMENTS OF THE BURSARY The Bursary is the financial hub, of the University of Guyana, is sub-divided into six (6) segments. These segments are responsible for specific sets of activities - which in total is the Bursarial function - as stipulated by the Act and Statutes of the University of Guyana.

These responsibilities centres are as follows: • Administration, Budgeting, and Reporting • General Section: Books and Records of Turkeyen • Fees Section: Income from Students • Special Fund and Books, and Records of Berbice • Payroll and Pension Scheme • Procurement

Bursar, Ms. Holda Poonai

I. MANDATE The Bursary’s mandate according to the Act and Statutes is to: “… manage the financial resources of the university in keeping with the budgetary allocations and in accordance with generally accepted international accounting practice and reporting standards. …receive on behalf of the University all monies and other property to which the University may in any manner become entitled and his receipt shall be a sufficient discharge therefor.”

II. MISSION STATEMENT The University of Guyana Bursary will strive to improve accountability, system of budgeting, financial management, and reporting within a framework of best practices as prescribed by accounting standards, rules, and regulations so that financial information is accurate, relevant, reliable, and timely to support the delivery of quality education.

III. CORE VALUES • Continuous improvements in the provision of service to stakeholders U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

V. ADMINISTRATION It is to be noted that Bursarial functions are conducted against the background of various administrative and accounting rules, policies, and procedures within a yearly cycle of January to December in any given year.

This report will speak to operational matters during the period September 2019 to August 2020, which has been divided into two phases: (a) pre COVID-19 and (b) post COVID-19.

A. Pre COVID-19 It is to be noted that the pre COVID-19 - September 2019 to March 2020 - was the commencement of a plan to rebrand the Bursary to the Financial Management Office. The focus of the rebranding is to improve the overall image, transparency, and accountability of the department which is overly critical to the expansion of the University’s income stream through research projects, grants, and gifts from friends and families.

What will be different and new? The section will address areas of improvements that will be necessary to realize the vision of a Financial Management Office. These areas of improvements are expressed below: • Better system for tracking of funds from overseas partners or students.

• Management of philanthropic funds received.

• Smart investment of surplus funds and strict cash management.

• Timely reporting as required by management and

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statute.

• Robust internal controls to support accuracy and correctness.

• Embrace automation to reduce paper and contribute to reduction of trees.

• Higher level of collaboration and integration within the University community to reduce processing time of transactions.

• Establish protocol for continuous professional development to enhance and embrace technological changes in financial management.

• Improvement in policies, rules, regulations, and procedures that will ensure consistency and cost efficiency and effectiveness.

• Documentation of all policies, rules, regulations, and procedures for implementation.

During the pre COVID-19 period the following are the updates:

B. Post COVID-19 During the period March 01 to August 31, 2020, the Bursary accelerated the use of technology to automate its systems within the Bursary. This automation process is in its infancy stage within the Bursary but, notably, it must be mentioned that processing of payment through Internet banking is about 98% at Republic Bank, the other 2% is being addressed. The challenges are that there are a few agencies or individuals who are banking with New Building Society, Bank of Guyana, and Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation that are our partners or suppliers; this impedes the use of Internet banking to conduct transactions with those institutions or agencies.

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VI. INTERNET BANKING With the electronic banking at Republic Bank it was necessary to update the instruction to the banker to ensure enhanced transparency and accountability in a paperless environment, which we are striving to achieve. In this regard, obsolete Signing Officer was removed. Also, an upgraded signing instruction was implemented. Therefore, transactions now require three (3) authorized Signing Officers and not two (2) as before.

The signing instruction is now a best practice and is to be implemented for processing of transactions at all the other banks within the near future.

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• Documents were sent to the incorrect e-mail address.

• Scanned copies received were not legible.

• E-mails were received without attachments.

It is projected that within a few months, there will be attitudinal change by students and staff that will lend itself to the fully embraced electronic mode to conduct business.

VIII. EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY It is with pride, that I report that the Bursary has been using Google Drive to work on the consolidation of the Budget and other reports that required the input from more than one staff. The Google Drive is also used to store important reference files that are accessible by key staff.

The Tactical Online Services Unit was engaged to work with us, to develop a system for the processing of transactions that will reduce time and effort at each stage of the process, the days of download and upload are gone.

Chief Accountant , Ms. Yashoda Matabadial

With the Internet banking, the Bursary has real-time information on the bank balances that will assist with the monitoring of bank balances and it also mitigates the risk of incorrect payment deposits by our banker.

The delay of accessing bank statement has now been corrected and it allows for better financial management by the Bursary.

VII. UPDATING STUDENTS’ FINANCIAL STATUS It is to be noted that students are now required to scan and forward payment advisories to the Fees Section rather than delivering the deposit slip at the Bursary.

To ensure student satisfaction, the processing time is now within 24-hours, except for information submitted on weekend.

The staff of the Bursary are working to adhere to the 24-hours update rule but had encountered several challenges in a paperless environment. Listed, hereunder, are some of the challenges:

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IX. CONCLUSION It is to be noted that the Bursary’s COVID-19 responsiveness focus has been the set-up and use of the Internet banking at Republic Bank, which has been working efficiently and effectively. At the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry, we will embrace Internet banking fully once the University is satisfied, they have the necessary requirements as stated by the banker.

The digitalization of records is another important aspect that is to be commenced in the near future - with the use of an integrated Human Resource and payroll software - that will reduce the use of paper on a larger scale. The plan is to continue the change process despite the setback to achieve the much-needed improvement, as listed above, with the requisite human resources, integrated software system, and support services for the completion of the transformation process - from the Bursary to a Financial Management Office.

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Personnel Division I. VISION The Human Resource Department will create and maintain high performance through the acquisition and retention of the best talents available.

II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS The Personnel Division currently has a total of 23 staff members: 19 UB support and four (4) non-academic.

III. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Recruitment Section During the period under review, the Recruitment Section continued to attend to staff employment matters. The section was responsible for the servicing of meetings of the UA Interviewing and Assessment Panel. In addition, the Recruitment Section was also responsible for the preparation and issuing of employment contracts (fulltime and part-time) for both UA and UB staff members.

Twenty-two (22) UB staff members and 40 UA staff members were promoted during the Academic Year 2019-2020. The processing of Annual Increment for eligible staff members was done on a continuous basis.

B. Leave and Training Section The Leave and Training Section processed applications for leave for various categories of staff members on the UA Academic, UA Non-academic, and UB streams, matters related to resignation and retirement, and the computation of benefits that would have accrued. In addition, the section was responsible for organising and servicing meetings of the Appointments Committee, both normal and Annual Staff Review, which, apart from leave matters, considered performance assessment matters for UA Academic and Non-academic staff members. This activity culminated in the award of annual increment, contract extension, and renewal and appointment on indefinite tenure. The processing of applications for promotion formed an integral function of the Leave and Training Section.

Personnel Officer (ag), Ms. Marcellin D’Aguiar

C. Staff Welfare Section During the 2019-2020 academic year, the Staff Welfare Section was responsible for purchasing and issuing of uniforms to all UB staff members as well as protective clothing and equipment for all staff members. The section successfully hosted the University’s annual endof-year festivities as well as the Long Service Awards Ceremony where our long-serving were honoured

for 20 years of service – five (5) awardees; 25 years of service – seven (7) awardees; 30 years of service - four (4) awardees; and 35 years of service - three (3) awardees. In addition, the Staff Welfare Section processed medical insurance claims for staff members through the National Insurance Scheme and Frandec & Co. Insurance Company. On a case-by-case basis, the section also assisted staff members in acquiring Guidance and Counselling Services.

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IV. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS Fifteen staff members of the Personnel Division were admitted and have commenced studies leading to an Executive Diploma in Human Resource Management, UWI. The programme commenced in February 2020 for a period of 18 months.

V. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • The transformation from Personnel Division to Human Resource Department.

• Finalization of new Human Resource Department’s structure and job descriptions.

• Development of Human Resource policies.

New Personnel and Bursary Building (Projected Completion July 2021) U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Safety and Security Department I. VISION • To protect and preserve the human and material assets of the University.

• To develop a cohesive approach on the Standard Operational Procedures that will govern the Security Services provided to all locations.

• To develop security programmes to fit the individual needs of students and staff.

• To develop a working relationship with community leaders, e.g., Neighbourhood Policing Groups in surrounding neighbourhoods with the aim to reduce theft, vandalism, break and enter, and burglary against the University.

II. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUMMMARY A. Staff Achievements The Safety and Security Department was recognized in 2019 by the Public Relation Office for a job well done during the 2019 Graduation and in 2020 two staff were recognized for employees of the month.

In the latter part of 2019 to present, there was a marked reduction of theft, vandalism, break and enter, and burglary with one exception; at least 15 attempts made during 2020 were unsuccessful. This was due to the following comprehensive measure taken by the Chair, Transitional Management Committee and now Vice-Chancellor: • Extension of hours and allowances for internal

security to augment the external security.

• Augmentation of the numbers of internal security.

• Augmentation of external security for the most vulnerable periods, addition of MMC ranks to support UG and Amalgamated security ranks.

• Extension of hours of work for UG ranks to Sunday and incentivizing work during off contract days.

• Fencing of the entire UG compound with chain link and barbed wire fencing.

• Installing MMC electronic security alarms on 14 vulnerable and high target buildings on the Turkeyen Campus between April and September 2020.

• Instituting a strict lockdown policy coded from red to yellow during the safe mode period.

• Instituting a strict mandatory zoning and controlled access protocol for persons including contractors who were allowed on the campus during this period.

• Providing several of the items required and not provided for some time, such as torches, raincoats, and boots.

• There was an improvement in effective communication between the security department, staff, and students.

The result has been a marked reduction in the number of external incursions at a time when the University has been most vulnerable to security threats.

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B. Important Collaborations • We collaborate with the Guyana Police Force, Amalgamated Security, and the Guyana Fire Services.

III. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS 2021 • To explore the feasibility of expanding the unit into a full-fledged security force that can adequately secure the entire campus thereby eliminating the need for the hiring of any external security service.

This can be achieved with a full complement of

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• • • •

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trained staff and modern functioning security equipment. Staff strength of at least 25 ranks is desirable.

Revision of the existing two (2) Working Contracts into one contract so that all ranks will be mandated to work the 24-hour shift.

To evaluate and upgrade the present staff.

Roll out phase two of the Physical Security Upgrade.

Implement key recommendations of audits and evaluations of security systems and personnel.

Facilities Maintenance Department Office of the Vice-Chancellor

I. VISION The collective vision for this department is to operate and function in a manner that exemplifies the highest level of professionalism, while effectively and efficiently delivering on its mandate as the core service unit of the University of Guyana, relative to plant, equipment, and sanitation.

II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS The Facilities Maintenance Department (FMD) is comprised of approximately 115 staff members, distributed across seven (7) departments, as follows: • Custodial Department • Carpentry Department • Plumbing Department • Estates Department • Electrical Department • Transport Department • Buildings Department Even further, contained in the aforementioned count, are the members of the administrative team, which includes an Administrative Assistant, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Clerk-of Works. Relative to budgetary allocations, our department accounts for an average of GYD $215,000,000 annually and takes into consideration spending for infrastructural works,

under the categories of capital in-house and external (Ministry of Education most notably).

III. SUMMARY: DEPARTMENTAL REPORT The period in review has seen our department overcome many challenges. Our team, as outlined, is comprised of a dedicated bunch of individuals, who share a common goal of wanting to see the university succeed and be the best at its job in the creation of intellectual capital. Thus, our team has worked assiduously to ensure that the entire University community is a place which is conducive to effective teaching and learning, with specific efforts being made to ensure the physical environment is always clean and tidy, all utilities are fully functional, and the addressing of issues are done in a manner that is expeditious and professional. During this period also, our team was responsible for the management of many important projects across the university spectrum, which ranged from the renovation and electrical upgrade of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Building, to the successful electrical upgrade of the Library’s new wing. Though faced with many challenges, our team was always able to find a way of overcoming adversity, thus reinforcing our position of strength and determination, where solutions are concerned.

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IV. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROJECTS The review period has seen our team effectively manage and successfully complete, quite a number of projects, funded by both the Ministry of Education and the University of Guyana. Hence, the following constitutes a list of completed noteworthy projects, as alluded to: • Repair and construction of boundary fence: John’s Complex Berbice • Electrical upgrade and renovation: CARDI Building • Electrical upgrade: Faculty of Social Sciences Building • Electrical upgrade: Faculty of Education and Humanities Building • Overhaul and repair: Ailing Sewage Management System • Maintained a state of campus readiness, while safely navigating through a pandemic V. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACT Our team understands that students are the driving force for all that we strive to accomplish on a daily basis. Therefore, efforts have always been made to ensure that students are afforded the opportunity to operate in an environment that is safe and conducive to student life and excellence. Even further, where relationships are concerned, our team has always worked closely with the UGSS to ensure that matters affecting students are always addressed in a manner that is both timely and effective. Recent collaborations between our team and the student body, ranged from

assistance in preparing spaces for student activities such as sales and presentations, to assistance in ensuring students get value for money where works were concerned on their office building. An open-door policy has always been afforded to the student body, which they very often take advantage of, as again we understand that without them there would be no us as a FMD unit.

VI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 Year 2020 has been quite challenging and our team looks forward to what 2021 has in store. Plans for this new year are grand as efforts are being made to ensure several key areas of responsibility are addressed relative to building maintenance and infrastructure development. Hence, for the year 2021, some plans conceptualized and proposed are as follows: • Electrical upgrade and renovation: Department of Law Building, Turkeyen • Electrical upgrade and renovation: Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) • Electrical upgrade and renovation: FAL Rooms • Complete construction: New Human Resources and Financial Management Buildings • Complete rehabilitation: Turkeyen Sewage System Upgrade • Complete construction: MEDEX Building, Tain Campus • Complete construction: Turkeyen Campus Boundary Fence • Electrical upgrade and renovation: IDCE, Anna Regina

Annex – Photos of Civil/Electrical Works done for period in review

E25 Classroom Upgrade – Natural Sciences U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Renovation works – Faculty of Engineering and Technology Admin Block

Pump House Construction 53

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS) Office of the Vice-Chancellor decision-making information technology (IT) structures and processes of the University of Guyana (UG) so that they align with, enable, and support the overall operations and functional academic and administrative structures and processes of UG through leveraging innovative, reliable, robust, and appropriate IT solutions; and to provide overall responsibility and oversight for the tactical and technical sections of the Tactical TOS to ensure that they operate effectively and efficiently in the delivery of quality IT and educational support services to UG’s students, staff, and guests.

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Director, TOS, Mr. Malcolm Williams

he Tactical Online Services Unit (TOS) is a new unit made up of five (5) sub-units which all work synergistically to maintain and support all aspects of The University of Guyana’s online environment for teaching, services, security, and support. The five units of TOS are: • IT Governance, Innovation, Research, Security (IGRIS) • Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA) • Computing Infrastructure and IT Services (CIT) • Client, Core Services, and Enterprise Support (CCSESu) • Educational Onlining Support Services (EDOSS) I. IT GOVERNANCE, INNOVATION, RESEARCH, SECURITY (IGRIS) A. Vision To be the effective and efficient technological backbone of the educational systems infrastructure that enables and supports the delivery of the mandate of the University of Guyana.

In view of the above, IGRIS will provide leadership concerning the tactical operational and technical U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

B. Summary – Department Report 1. IT Governance and Policy Development The key activities in this regard were the establishment of baseline for policies, and the consolidation and refinement of existing policies.

• Established TOS’ Vision, Mission, and Values.

• Formulated the “Laptop/Mobile-Computing Devices Usage and Issuance Policy.” The policy was presented for ratification and approval of the AP&PC and the Academic Board.

• Formulated the “Email Administration and Usage Policy.” This is ongoing.

• Formulated the “University of Guyana Work from Home Policy.” This is ongoing • Formulated “Social Media Administration and Use Policy.”

2. Resource Allocation and Distribution Established operating procedures and mechanisms (in addition to policy) to facilitate the distribution of laptops to staff of the University.

3. Enhancement, Upgrade, and Modernisation of UG’s Web and Online Presence • Conducted joint requirements elicitation sessions with: CoETaL, UGIRIE, DECC, and SSETA (web developers).

4. Relationship Building and Community Development • Prepared “TOS – Who We Are” presentation for the purpose of developing awareness about TOS across the University.

• Resuscitated UG’s collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat on initiatives and Working Groups

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having to do with: • CARICOM Single ICT Space, and • Girls in ICT.

• •

5. Research and Innovation • Evaluating the use of Bitrix24 collaboration, communication, and coordination platform.

• STEM-Robotics training for students with special needs.

• Collaboration with the Guyana Council for Person with Disabilities, UG Computer Science Department, and UG Robotics Club.

• Designed a resource solution to support Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) research having to do with a timetabling solution for UG. 6. Training • Provided training in the use of Bitrix24 to technical staff of SSETA, IITS, CCSESu, and DECC. • The planning of the Web-Liaison Training has commenced.

• On-the-job training in IT Governance for staff of TOS.

• • • •

• • • •

7. Information and Cybersecurity Compliance • Information and Cybersecurity Compliance issues will now be addressed with the hiring of the Cybersecurity Compliance Officer.

C. Demonstration of Student Centeredness and Impacts The University’s website was reviewed and, working in collaboration with DECC, upgraded to make it more student friendly.

D. Important Collaborations (private sector, public sector, and international) • CARICOM Secretariat: TOS staff represented the University of Guyana on the CARICOM Secretariat’s ICT4D, CARICOM Single ICT Space, and Girls in ICT meetings and initiatives.

• Office of the Prime Minister & NDMA – Director participated in workshop/training on the invitation of the NDMA (Cyber4Dev IT Risk Assessment training).

E. Projections and Plans for 2021 • IT Governance and Policy Development • Focus: establishment of transparent decisionmaking processes to inform UG’s IT investments.

• Establish baselines and develop appropriate change strategies to continuously deliver quality

IT services across UG through policies, guidelines, and innovation.

Resuscitation of UG’s ICT Steering Committee.

Coordinate the enhancement, upgrade, updating, and modernisation of UG’s web and online presence (first phase to be closed by November 30, 2020).

Relationship building and community development.

Research and innovation with respect to systems and tools for enhancing work from home.

Information and cybersecurity compliance.

Align UG’s IT strategy, infrastructure, and services with UG’s strategic vision, plan, and business priorities, particularly in the area of establishing UG’s E-Learning Platform and Systems.

Provide comprehensive and integrated oversight for the IT structures and functions of UG. Monitor, evaluate, and oversee data and cybersecurity threats and response.

Provide innovative IT systems that support UG’s desired outcomes, such as student retention and administrative streamlining/simplification.

Represent the University on the CARICOM Secretariat’s ICT4D, CARICOM Single ICT Space, and Girls in ICT initiatives/meetings.

II. SOFTWARE SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS (SSETA) A. Vision The vision of Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA) is to deliver quality software services and educational technology applications that respond to students, faculty, administrative staff, and research needs and further the University of Guyana’s mission.

B. Administrators • Sekhar Moses Mallampati, Director • Stephanas Francis, Deputy Director C. Summary – Department Report • During this academic year (2019-2020), our team was able to provide satisfactory technical support for 10,000 plus students (prospective, current, and alumni) and 1,000 plus staff for both campuses and IDCE who have been using SRMS, HRMIS, Integrated Library System, Moodle, Turnitin, ExamSoft, Zoom Meetings, Zoom Webinars, and 30 plus UoG Websites.

• In keeping with the technology trends, HRMIS

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

•

•

•

•

• •

•

• •

•

•

Application was moved to a cloud environment in February 2020.

As the cyber threats keep increasing, during February 2020, SRMS and HRMIS applications were brought under “Protection and Remediation Service” offered by the hosting company.

In February 2020, UG websites were migrated to a dedicated server platform to meet the growing demands from various departments and faculties of the University of Guyana.

Due to COVID-19, delivery of education at the University of Guyana has changed dramatically with the exponential rise of online learning whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms like Zoom Meeting, Moodle, etc.

Many lecturers have started using technology solutions like Zoom and Moodle Learning Management System (Moodle LMS) for the online delivery of their courses. Our small team went beyond the call of duty and focused on supporting the academic staff (part-time and full-time) from across the campuses and IDCE with online technology solutions.

More than 750 courses were offered on Moodle

by August 2020 as against 100 courses that were offered during Semester 1, 2019-2020.

During May and June 2020, our team has conducted training sessions for part-time and fulltime academic staff from both campuses and IDCE in the use of Moodle LMS, Turnitin, Zoom Meeting, and Zoom Webinar.

Our team has integrated a number of new solutions (Zoom Meeting, Turnitin) with Moodle LMS to support the online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Many enhancements were brought in to SRMS and HRMIS during this year.

Gradebook module in SRMS was implemented for regular semesters during June and July 2020.

Lecturers used the feature to submit the grades online which has enhanced efficiency in dealing with the grades submission. This initiative was started by the present Vice-Chancellor during her tenure as the Chair, TMC. Our team has collaborated with academic and registry staff to explore the proctoring solutions for proctored and non-proctored environments. Note: more work needs to be done in this area.

During this academic year, the web development team has designed and developed new websites and continued to provide technical support for all the faculty and department websites.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

In collaboration with the Web Liaisons and DECC, the web development team has brought enhancements to the websites. The team has worked on the concept of implementing multisite website.

• Our team has started consultations with a Moodle partner to enhance the scalability, concurrency, and performance of the Moodle application. This is a work in progress.

D. New Developments • In July 2020, Tactical Online Services (TOS) was established. The Department of Software Services has been integrated into the newly established TOS as Software Services and Educational Technology Applications (SSETA).

• SSETA provides technical support for software applications and educational technology applications such as SRMS, HRMIS, UG Library, Moodle, Zoom, Turnitin, UoG websites, etc.

• New positions were created to expand the SSETA team. The recruitment process for new staff has commenced. We thank the Vice-Chancellor and the Council for establishing TOS. E. General Conclusion SEETA-TOS withstood massive challenges posed by COVID-19 with very limited human resources and yet made significant strides in providing online educational services to the University of Guyana community. The two full-time Software Engineers and the two parttime staff had gone beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, since March 2020, to meet the growing demands.

SSETA continues to work in collaboration with other units of the TOS. SSETA will ensure that the software services delivered to our students and staff communities are satisfactory, while training the newly appointed team members to be well equipped to contribute to the Unit’s work.

III. CENTRE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (CIT) A. Key Functions • Managing and maintaining the IT infrastructure of the University at all its campuses and locations • Providing IT support services to staff and students • Managing UoG e-mail and related services B. Reporting Period • September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020

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C. Summary – Department Report • Improved Internet services at the Turkeyen Campus by obtaining more bandwidth from GTT through their BizFiber Services. The University obtained a total of 1,800 mbps by utilizing six BizFiber Services (upgraded from 50 mbps each to 300 mbps each), which, when combined with the 110 mbps from eGov (NDMA), easily covers the University’s bandwidth needs. In total, the University now has 1,910 mbps in bandwidth available to supply the Turkeyen Campus. We also have 10 mbps DIA which will be used for the new Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system.

• Upgraded our cybersecurity capabilities at the Turkeyen Campus by implementing FortiGate Firewall combined with FortiAnalyzer Analytics, which provides a secure environment for Internet usage across campus. The Sonic Wall Firewall was replaced with the FortiGate Firewall, which, when combined with the FortiAnalyzer, is more robust, efficient, and provides more analytical data on network threats, bandwidth usage, and other things. It is also much easier to isolate threats and deal with them. The FortiGate Firewall combined with FortiAnalyzer Analytics now forms the core of the Turkeyen Campus’ cybersecurity apparatus.

• Upgraded the various network nodes, located in cabinets across the Turkeyen Campus, to make them more sturdy and resilient, thus more reliable for carrying VoIP. These upgrades included replacing faulty switches with FortiNet switches and replacing faulty Unlimited Power Supply Units (UPSs) or installing new ones. These switches and UPSs would ensure that calls are not dropped when there is a blackout or due to some malfunctioning or faulty switches.

• Improved Internet services by implementing Software Defined – Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) rules to channel internal Internet service requests by application to the different Internet service providers supplying the University with Internet services. With these rules data that constitutes our core applications, such as HRMIS, SHRMIS, Google’s G Suite (now Google Workplace), MS Office 365, and others, are channelled to the bandwidth provided by eGov, while other data are channelled to the bandwidth provided by BizFiber.

Other rules are used to ensure the efficient use of the bandwidth available.

• Reconfigured Access Points across Turkeyen Campus to enable more bandwidth given. We now get more from our GTT BizFiber Service –

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•

•

•

increased from 300 mbps maximum total to 1,800 mbps maximum total. The cap, per user, on each access point has been increased from 3 mbps to 5 mbps or 6 mbps.

Installed an IP PBX at the Turkeyen campus that runs over the existing campus’ gigabit Wide Area Network (WAN). This is a new, modern, state of the art Grandstream IP PBX that can facilitate up to 2,000 VoIP phones, 200 concurrent calls, and conference calls for up to 64 persons.

Installed 133 IP phones across the Turkeyen Campus that currently permit calls within the new local IP PBX network. Some phones can make external calls, and calls from outside can be received on some UG numbers.

Configured the VoIP PBX for University of Guyana Berbice Campus – Tain location (UGBC Tain). This is preparation for the installation of VoIP phones at UGBC Tain, which would occur in November 2020.

Configured 15 VoIP phones for UGBC Tain. Will have to refine the configuration as allocation specifications are expected to change. They currently do not have a VoIP phone system and this would allow the various sections at UGBC Tain to communicate with each other via phone without placing a call through GTT’s exchange, saving thousands in their phone bill.

D. Projections and Plans for 2021 • Currently negotiating a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) contract with GTT that will allow our VoIP PBX to more effectively and efficiently make inbound/outbound calls from UG. The currently installed new VoIP PBX has very limited inbound/ outbound capabilities over the old analogue lines and this contract will allow the University to use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) lines/trunks, which are compatible with and recommended for the new VoIP PBX. It will allow for 100 simultaneous inbound/outbound calls.

• Installing a new IP PBX for UGBC Tain and configuring the corresponding VoIP phones for UGBC Tain. We will install a new IP PBX for UGBC Tain that is similar to the one installed at the Turkeyen Campus along with installing at least 15 VoIP phones.

• Connect the Turkeyen and UGBC Tain IP PBXs: We will endeavour to connect the Turkeyen and Tain PBXs so that calls between the two campuses will not involve routing through GTT, but will be within our local exchange thus saving a lot of money in phone bills.

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• Obtain new batteries for the UPS that feeds our Server Room. The new batteries are to replace the expired batteries in the unit and will provide longer service when there is a blackout or power disruption on campus.

• Upgrade from our Network Attached Storage (NAS) to a Storage Area Network (SAN). Currently we have a NAS that contains our virtual servers and other data, but it is a bit outdated and a bit slow.

We would like to upgrade to a newer, faster, more efficient SAN, which would provide faster access to our virtual servers and network storage.

IV. EDUCATIONAL ONLINING SUPPORT SYSTEMS (EDOSS)

• To improve students’ competencies and skills in order to attain student’s satisfaction and retain student.

• These competencies must ensure that all lecturers can deliver in face-to-face, blended or hybrid, and online format.

B. Summary – Department Report • Training on online delivery, using Moodle, Zoom, Turnitin and other features were conducted with 250 lecturers from all faculties in attendance.

• Recordings of the sessions were disseminated to all faculties.

• One-on-one support was also given based on individual needs.

• Assisted with the uploading and monitoring of the Human Relations Courses which included recording presentations and having practice sessions with presenters.

• Created feedback surveys to have an idea of what the strengths and weaknesses of the HR Course were.

• Participated in several boards and committees within the University of Guyana as well as externally as indicated below.

C. Collaborations EDOSS collaborated with the following in order to fulfil its mandate: • All faculties on training initiatives • Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in implementing courses as well as attending courses • CARICOM on authentic assessment webinar • CARICOM Girls in ICT • Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) • Nottingham Trent University

Head, EDOSS, Dr. Charmaine Bissessar

A. Vision • To equip all lecturers across the University to be effective in the teaching and learning process.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

D. Projections and Plans for 2021 • Training for Heads of Departments and Deans in leadership • Virtual Seminar on sharing techniques that work within the online environment • CoETaL Bi-Annual Conference on Teaching and Learning

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Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC) Office of the Vice-Chancellor I. RATIONALE The Department of Events, Conferences, and Communications (DECC) is a “new” department which came into being in September 2020. DECC is a reorganization of the Public Relations Division, the UG Press, and some secretarial support staff from the previous Vice-Chancellor and the defunct Department of Strategic Initiatives (DSI). DECC is intended to be a coherent, centralized, and effectively managed department that offers clear and understandable corporate communications, events management, and publications coming out of the University of Guyana.

II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS DECC currently has 10 members of staff: • Neketa Forde, Interim Director • Dr. Taijrani Rampersaud, Interim Director, UG Broadcasting Unit • Leisa Somrah, Public Relations Manager (ag), Public Relations Unit • Yolaskee Jervis, Manager, Events and Conferences Unit • Melissa Bess, Manager, UG Press • Merlene Gopaul, Administrative Assistant, UG Broadcasting • Rushana Moore, Clerk Typist, Public Relations Unit • Bibi Alli, Clerk Typist, Public Relations Unit • Ronanuel Gilkes, Office Attendant, Public Relations Unit • Makeda Braithwaite, Administrative Assistance (Intern) III. REPORTING PERIOD September – October 2020 IV. UNITS This department is comprised of the following Units: • Public Relations Unit • Events and Conferences Unit • UG Press • UG Broadcasting (Radio, Web TV, Website) A. Public Relations Unit The functions of the Public Relations Division have been diverse over the years ranging from what might be the ‘expected’ services such as public and media relations

to assisting with the management of the university’s ceremonial events and the support, coordination and development of public engagement.

Key Activities in the Period • UG & YOU Weekly Radio Programme (every Monday) • UG Orientation: Compiled the Student Guide with Rules and Regulations and Quick Reference Brochures.

• UG’s Website: lend assistance to the UG Broadcasting Unit to update the platform.

B. Events and Conferences Unit To coordinate, manage, and execute events and conferences, in physical and virtual modes, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders for successful productions and experiences.

Key Activities in the Period • Engaged in discussions regarding urgent matters related to the UG website and development of policies for operation DECC. • Assisted in the planning and execution of UG’s Virtual Orientation Week from October 26 -31, 2020.

• UG’s Website: lend assistance to the UG Broadcasting Unit to update the platform.

• Review UG Code of Conduct C. UG Press The key function of the University of Guyana Press (UGP) is to contribute to the national landscape by publishing and supporting scholarly and creative works by focusing on peer reviewed publications such as books, monographs, and journals (both print and digital) produced by faculty, staff and students of the University of Guyana (UG). The UGP also intends to establish and maintain networking opportunities with national, regional and international publishing companies as it build and restructure, and to coordinate with other subdivisions in creating awareness about the output of the UGP and making them accessible to stakeholders.

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Key Activities in the Period • Assisted with the first Public Consultation of the UG Press held on September 23, 2020 via the Zoom platform.

• Compiled a report based on the consultation.

• UG’s Website: lend assistance to the UG Broadcasting Unit to update the platform.

D. UG Broadcasting (Radio, Web TV, Website) This unit oversees the production of content to be shared with the University communities and other stakeholders. When fully operational, it will be incharge of producing audio, video, and multimedia content for sharing via traditional and new media platforms.

Key Activities in the Period • Proposal for UG Virtual Online: This document specifically highlighted: (i) website architecture, (ii) resources – personnel, software, hardware, and technical, and (iii) rationale for this platform.

• University of Guyana - Visual Standards Manual, 2020: UG Broadcasting has undertaking the task of editing and updating the content from the previous manual.

• Templates for print correspondence: Several templates for key print correspondence were designed including: letterhead, meeting minutes, memo, a simple report, academic calendar, informative poster, and press release.

• University of Guyana Website (www.uog.edu. gy): UG Broadcasting managed the updating of the website to address urgent and emerging needs and acted as the interface between the DECC and SSETA-TOS team to accomplish this.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• DECC’s Logo: Through consultation with the other sub-units of DECC, UG Broadcasting created a logo which is representative of the DECC. • Support Activities with our Units in DECC V. KEY ACTIVITIES IN THE PERIOD While each Unit took the lead on several projects, as a Department, there are some noteworthy activities to be noted: • UG Orientation Planning and Execution (October 26 – 31, 2020): Branding, Recording, and Zoom Tutorials for Staff • Graphics design for various University divisions • Draft Social Media Policy for the University • Draft General Etiquette and Protocols for Using Zoom • Draft Checklist for Hosting Zoom Webinar • Review Laptop Loan Programme Document and Forms • Review of FEH Proposal for Virtual Faculty Office (Overseen by UG Broadcasting) VI. POINTS OF ACHIEVEMENT A new division, the DECC team has developed an evolving synergistic relationship among unit personnel and embarked on the path of becoming an efficient functioning unit by honing the expertise of each unit and its respective personnel.

• Compiled the Student Guide with Rules and Regulations • ‘UG and YOU’ Radio Programme (restarted June 8, 2020 via Telephone Interview) • Successful hosting of UG Press Public Consultation • Virtual Orientation without any major incidents

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Office of Occupational Health and Safety Unit (OOHAS) Office of the Vice-Chancellor II. SUMMARY ACHIEVEMENTS (SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 2020) • The Office of Occupational Health and Safety (OOHAS) Unit has accomplished the following: • Creation of an incident reporting form.

• Creation of an investigative report.

• Development and implementation of COVID-19 protocol for students to attend on campus classes.

• Development and implementation of a prescreening COVID questionnaire.

• Development and implantation of referral and suspected cases documentation for COVID-19 health checks on campus.

• Creation of a document matrix for the smooth referencing of OOHAS documentation.

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III. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • The renovation of ‘fit for purpose’ security facilities.

• The implementation of health checkpoints before entry onto campus.

• The set up and placement of an OHAS Office for staff to operate.

• Development of risk assessments and corresponding job safety analysis for use.

• Preparation and execution of procedures for reporting issues to the OHAS Unit, incident investigation, and inspections among other documentation.

• Training on hazard identification and the use of observation cards.

• Development of appropriate signage and its placement.

Director, OOHAS, Mrs. Olivia Paris-Bowen

his is a newly created unit which had been agitated for and promised a number of years ago, the exogeneous of safe mode requirements, because of COVID-19, in this period, accelerated the creation of the unit and its staffing in September 2020.

I. VISION The vision of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHAS) Unit is to protect the health and safety of all staff, students, and visitors by ensuring that preventative measures, policies, and procedures are implemented and enforced for a hazard free environment.

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assists UG in accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the University's governance, risk management, internal controls.

Internal Audit Department

Office of the Vice-Chancellor III. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENT REPORT VISION III. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENT REPORT All theI.Toaudit activities can be broadly placed into three (3) categories: enhance and protect organizational values by All the audit activities can be broadly placed into three providing risk-based and assurance, advice, (3)  Assurance: Toobjective provide assurances tocategories: senior management of governance, risk and insight.

• Assurance: To provide assurances to senior management, and control of systems within the University. management of governance, risk management, II.PURPOSE and control of systems the University.

Consultancy: To facilitate the enhancement of businesswithin processes by providing a Internal Auditing is an independent and objective • Consultancy: To facilitate the enhancement of systematic andactivity disciplined approach the systems within theseand business assurance and consulting that is guided by a to improving business processes by providing a systematic philosophy of adding value to improve the operations disciplined approach to improving the systems processes. of the University of Guyana (UG). It assists UG in within these business processes. accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic • Special: Execute special projects, with appropriate  Special: Execute special projects, with appropriate safeguards, towards adding value and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve safeguards, towards adding value to the operations to the operations of thegovernance, University. the effectiveness of the University’s risk of the University. management, internal controls.

No 1 2 3

Category Assurance Consultancy Special Total

Audit Areas 2 2 1 5

Reports 8 2 1 11

A. Summary of Major Research Projects Completed (WFH) arrangements (Special): This audit activity and other Major Staff Achievements triggered a requestStaff from the Vice-Chancellor A. Summary of Major Research Projects Completedwas and otherbyMajor Achievements for input from the Internal Audit Department 1.1.Audit Activities Audit Activities based on a request from some members of staff to • During the period January to November 2020, five remove items of furniture to their homes for use  (5)During the period January to November 2020, five (5) audit areas were examined. audit areas were examined. during COVID-19.

•  UGBC Disposal of Assets Over the UGBC Disposal of(Assurance): Assets (Assurance): Over the recent years not working and recent years not working and unsuitable office 2. Staff Achievements unsuitable office furniture and stored equipment being stored2019 awaiting furniture and equipment were being Duringwere the period September to Augustdisposal.

2020, the disposal. following staff achievement was note-worthy:  awaiting Inventory of the Bursar’s Office (Consultancy): The documentation of the fixed assets • Inventory of the Bursar’s Office (Consultancy): The • Tricia Niles, General Clerk II, graduated with a and otherofitems theand Bursar’s Office Diploma was part of Management. the handing over-taking over in Public documentation the fixedin assets other items in the Bursar’s Office was part of the handing overtaking over procedures in relation to the Bursar IV. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 proceeding on end of contract leave earlier in 2020. The process of preparing the Audit Plan for 2021 • Inventory of the Personnel Division (Consultancy): involved receiving input from senior management and The documentation of the fixed assets and the Audit Committee on the audit areas that required 87 inventory of the Personnel Division was part of attention from the IAD. The Internal Auditor will handing over-taking over procedures regarding consider the feedback received and develop an audit the former Personnel Officer being assigned to plan taking into consideration the available man hours. other duties.

• Pension Scheme (Assurance): The Board of Currently the audit areas to be addressed in 2021 Trustees had decided in July 2019 that the Internal include the following: Audit Department would verify the computations • Fixed Assets Register • Bookstore of pension benefits and refunds.

• Use of University’s office chairs at work from home • Management letter from the latest audit

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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REPORTS FROM ACADEMIC DIVISIONS

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (FAF)

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Lawrence Lewis: National winner for the Energy Globe Award 2020 Project title “Use of Acacia mangium on mined out sites as Bioenergy Plantations for livelihood of communities”

I. VISION The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (FEH) will be a reputable institution highly regarded for significant contribution to a better quality of life for the people of Guyana and the Region through Dr. Lawrence Lewis, Dean - National winner Energy Globe Award 2020 Project title” Use of Acacia mangium on excellence and leadership in teaching, collaboration that encourage mined out sites as Bioenergyresearch, Plantationsextension, for livelihood and of communities”. and sustainable use of naturalII.resources in agriculture and forestry.

I.entrepreneurship VISION DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (FEH) will be The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located at the a reputable institution highly regarded for significant two campus of the University. The Turkeyen Campus II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS contribution to a better quality of life for the people has two departments: Agriculture Department and The Faculty and Forestry located at the two campus of the the Berbice University.

The of Guyana andoftheAgriculture Region through excellence isand Forestry Department, whereas Campus leadership in teaching, research, extension, and has one department: Division of Agriculture.

Turkeyen Campus has two departments: Agriculture Department and Forestry Department, collaboration that encourage entrepreneurship and whereas the one department: Division of Agriculture. sustainable use Berbice of naturalCampus resourceshas in agriculture and forestry.

TheFaculty Facultyofof Agriculture Forestry the following programmes: The Agriculture andand Forestry offersoffers the following programmes: Department and Programme Agriculture (Turkeyen Total) Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (Animal Science Option- 0101) Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (General Option- 0101) Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (1201) Master of Science (Agro-technology & Business UGBC Agriculture (Total) Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (General Option- 0101) Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture (1201) Forestry Associate of Sciences Degree in Forestry (4101) Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry (4201) U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Enrolment 2018-2019 2019-2020 165 175 2 2 9 2 132 156 22 15 33 24 1 1 32 25 24 31

18 28

90

III. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS The Agriculture and Forestry Departments continue to make progressive strides in improving its programme offerings and delivery. To this end, the departments have improved their staffing, staff competencies, and quality assurance standards that will guarantee professional graduates who are competent. No doubt, the greater number of applicants opting to pursue a Degree in Agriculture, and to a lesser extent a Degree in Forestry, has reposed the confidence in the departments to ensure that they are properly trained for a career in agriculture and forestry even in the face of serious competition from other sectors, such as oil and gas. Hence, the departments are cognizant of these challenges confronting their graduates and have embarked on ensuring that they are given all the necessary competencies to carve their space and transform the fledging agriculture sector. The departments, recognizing some of their deficiencies, have opted to collaborate with both national and international agencies for the best interest of their students. This year, the departments have collaborated with international universities such as Virginia State University, Florida Agriculture and Mechanics University, and University of Belize, among others; local and regional agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture Hydrometeorology Department, CARDI, IICA, BNTF, GFC, Iwokrama, Anton Dekom, SBB Suriname, CELOS, WWF, and NAREI in order broaden the capacity and minds of the students and engage other stakeholders.

In the immediate future, the departments will work with our sister faculties in ensuring the programme offering is interdisciplinary to extend the options available to our applicants and that our graduates are flexible to function in a dynamic society.

IV. RESEARCH AGENDA 2019-2024 Goal: To enhance the delivery of agriculture and forestry education in Guyana through partnership, harmonisation, and entrepreneurship.

• Bioenergy/Wood Gasification and Biochar (Lead Researcher: Dr. Lewis and team) • Organic bio-pesticides to treat pests and diseases and bio-fertilizers to enhance growth and productivity of plants (Lead Researcher: Prof. R. Jagessar, Dr. Charles, and team) • Soil Fungi and Rhizobia to enhance plant growth and production (Lead Researcher: Prof.

Gomathinayagam, Ms. Dillon Husbands, and team) • Agronomy (Leader in Agriculture Extension from a University Perspective) (Prof. Khumotov and team) • Tropical Vegetable Production (Ms. Kaye, Dr.

Charles, Mr. Bullen, and team) • Fruits (Pomology) (Mr. Dharamdeo Singh, Ms. Donna Morrison, and team) • Characterization and varietal selection for particular use, environment, and soil type (with Ms. Kaye and Dr. Charles) • Agro-processing and value addition through Food Science and Technology • Post-harvest technology through reduced loss and improved shelf-life • Biotechnology (Embryonic Stage Equipment currently being purchase) (Lead Researchers: Ms. Kaye, Dr. Charles, and team) • Aqua-culture and Aquaponics (Ms. Providence, Dr. R. Domer, and team) • Animal Science (Lead Researchers Dr. Sadik, Dr. Domer, Dr. Overton, and team) • Institute of Food and Nutrition Security (IFANS) TBA • A professional Centre of Excellence dedicated to eradicating food losses from Farm to Table while assisting in policy development • Development of Programmes in Food Technology and Agro-processing, Agri-entrepreneurship and marketing, Biotechnology, Policy and Extension Education, Landscape Ecology, and Food Safety Services: Operate as an independent laboratory (clearing house) for food standards for local and international markets.

Processes: Become ISO 9001 Certified Faculty by December 2021.

V. OTHER MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS • Six staff members were promoted to Lecturer II, namely: Ms. Donna Ramdial, Ms. Coretta Samuels, Ms. Susy Lewis, Ms. Dillion Husbands, Mr. Dharamdeo Singh, and Mr. Lambert Chester.

• Ms. Donna Morrison passed her thesis and successfully defended it and will be subsequently awarded the M. Phil in Biodiversity.

• Ms. Shenella Benjamin and Ms. Kaye McAllister were accepted on the Arizona State University (ASU) Global Development and Innovation Graduate Certificate Program.

• The Research Centre saw some major upgrades to the facility over the year. There was the resuscitation of the vermicompost bins, greater production of vegetables in deep tunnel shade houses, installation of lights, electrical outlets, construction of a trestle, concrete flooring under

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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

Ms. Ayodelle Olabisi Tyndall was employed as a Technologist within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry to mainly support the work of the Biotechnology Lab.

Aquaponics Safety, Canadian Research Institute for Food VII. NOTABLE VISITORSStation to prevent the constant Safety, Department of Food Science, University flooding whenever there was a heavy rainfall, and  Prof.

Lawrence Goodridge, Professor in Food Safety, Canadian Research Institute for of Guelph, Ontario, Canada visited Guyana from CCTV cameras have been placed on the Centre to Food Safety,ofDepartment ofproduce.

Food Science, University Guelph, Ontario, September of 11-19, 2019. The purposeCanada of the visit deter pilfering the equipment or was for information gathering, curriculum visited Guyana from September 11-19, 2019. The purpose of the visit was review for of food programmes offered by University and GSA, VI. NEWLY APPOINTED ACADEMIC STAFF gathering,ancurriculum review of food offered byofUniversity • information Prof. Andrey Khumotov, extension education and programmes to discuss with the Ministry Agriculture the parameters needed to setup Food Safety Authority specialist, was appointed as Professor within the and GSA, and to discuss with the Ministry of Agriculture the parameters needed to Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. and review its policy documents. setup Food Safety Authority and review its policy documents.

Ms. Ayodelle Olabisi Tyndall was employed as aBritish • The Commissioner of Agriculture of the to British • The Commissioner of Agriculture of the Virgin Islands, who was in Guyana Technologist within the Faculty of Agriculture Virgin Islands, who was in Guyana to attend the attend the to Agro-tourism She spoke about BVIShe was and Forestry mainly supportExhibition the work ofand the Seminar.

Agro-tourism Exhibition and how Seminar. spoke Biotechnology Lab. about BVI was resuscitating progressing in resuscitating its agriculture since a how number ofprogressing refineriesin had been its agriculture since a number of refineries had been closed down.

She expressed her admiration of Guyana’s agriculture and its high VII. NOTABLE VISITORS closed down. She expressed her admiration of • quality.

Prof. Lawrence Goodridge, Professor in Food Guyana’s agriculture and its high quality.

VIII. STUDENT AWARDED VIII. STUDENT PRIZESPRIZES AWARDED

Title of Award The Vice-Chancellor Special Award in the Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry The Dr Ptolemy Reid Award The Guyana Sugar Corporation Limited Award for Soil Science The Bernard Gonsalves Memorial Award University of Guyana Outstanding year III students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Recipient Dirk Ford Omario Gooding Dirk Ford Theratraj Persaud Theratraj Persaud

IX. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT

• Field visit to Boa Vista, Brazil, EMBRAPA,

have the Faculty ISO 9001:2015 Standard certified in “Quality Management System”. The certification will enhance the student-centred activities and research conducted in the faculty. Also, students were engaged in many field and on site practical activities such as: • Field trip to Yarrowkabra Training Centre in the areas of tree identification.

• The Ministry of Agriculture, Hydrometeorological Department and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 93 (UG-FAF) agreed to collaborate on climate change resilient project. In addition, through the Hydrometeorological Department, the Caribbean Agriculture Development Institute (CARDI) has gifted the University of Guyana a DAVIS Automatic Weather Station.

IX. DEMONSTRATION STUDENT CENTEREDNESSOF AND IMPACT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACT IWOKRAMA, and Santa Fe Farms, Rupununi.

The faculty members trainedon on“Understanding “Understanding The faculty members werewere trained the Requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 the Requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Standard.” • Field trip to Forestry Training Centre’s Manaka Standard.”

Training occurred on February 12, 14, 19, andField 21, Station.

2020 from 09:00 hrs-12:00 hrs in Training occurred on February 12, 14, 19, and 21, 2020 the Faculty Agriculture andin Forestry’s boardroom. fromof 09:00 hrs-12:00 hrs the Faculty of Agriculture This training is aimed to have the Faculty and Forestry’s boardroom.

This training is aimedManagement to X. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS ISO 9001:2015 Standard certified in “Quality System”.

The certification will

• Field trip to Yarrowkabra Training Centre for Forest Conservation.

• Field trip to Suriname in the areas of mangrove restoration, sawmilling, underwater logging, timber inventory and harvesting, and GIS.

• The Basic Needs Trust Fund – Implementation Agency (BNTF-IA) Guyana, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), National Agricultural Research and Extension

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Institute (NAREI), and the UG-FAF and the IDCE noted the concerns of farmers in this changing climate and have taken the initiative to design and collectively implement a project geared towards the promotion of proven measures to adapt to climate change.

• An inter-institutional international partnership to increase the number of globally competent students to fuel the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human (FANRH) Sciences Workforce was proposed. Virginia State University (VSU) partnered with Florida A&M University (FAMU), the University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service-International Services (USDAAPHIS-IS) in Guatemala submitted a proposal entitled “Training Globally Competent Students for the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human Sciences Workforce; An 1890 and Latin American Institutional Partnership.”

• Biotechnology Laboratory Facility: The sweet potato project titled “Building, Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity at University of Arkansas, APB to Enhance Global Learning and Strengthen Production in Guyana and the Arkansas Delta” was proposed and conducted under this agreement.

Under the said agreement of the project UAPB was responsible for providing funds for equipment such as refrigerator, Water Bath, Gel Electrophoresis Kit, Gel Documentation System, UV-Spectrophotometer, Refrigerated MicroCentrifuge, PCR Machine, Water Purification System, Clean Bench as well as -20 and -80 freezers. UAPB also provided funds to establish the Biotechnology Laboratory facility which was converted from part of the larger laboratory in the Department of Agriculture Building.

This project was completed at the beginning of 2020 and the University of Guyana benefitted tangibly. The Sweet Potato Breeding Programme has yielded three advanced lines that are being evaluated on different soil types for identification for elite line(s) in multilocational trials.

XI. OIL AND GAS • The Role of Agriculture and Forestry in an Oil and Gas Economy: The role of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 2020-2025 and Beyond Presentation U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

to a World Bank Team in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry’s Boardroom on January 14, 2020.

XII. PROJECTED PLANS FOR 2021 Key priorities and their costs (2020-2021) are the following: • Staff • Students • Programmes • Infrastructure

Specialized training will be provided for sixteen (16) members of staff to focus in areas such as Tissue Culture, Shade House Technology, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Processing and Technology, Biotechnology, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, ICT Skills, and Administrative Skills.

Priority in 2020-2021 will be given to the development and introduction of the following programmes: • MSc in Forestry • BSc in Food Technology and Agro-processing • BSc in Agri-entrepreneurship and Marketing • Certificate in Climate Smart Agriculture Each lecturer will focus his/her research on critical areas in the forestry and agriculture sectors keeping in mind the development priorities of the sector by the Government and stakeholders and the aim of having the work published.

Students will have more practical training in agriculture, forestry, and related activities and skills with the focus on the use of modern technology and state-of-theart equipment. Funding will be required for students’ research work.

A. Areas of Priority Development: Academic Year 2020-2021 • Hiring of experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled lecturers and professors for graduate programs • Purchasing of implements and tools for land preparation (tractor with plough and another implement) • Offering of distance programmes (2020-2021 and beyond) • Fencing of the fishponds • Expansion of an additional shade house and seedling nursery • Staffing of the Institute of Food and Nutrition Security (IFANS) • Purchasing GIS and Remote Sensing Software

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• Purchase of mixing Ransom and Biochar kilns • Funding to retrain staff and technicians to use and operate the Gasifier

• Funding for wood technology in valve addition and production

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Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dr Temitope Oyedotun

I. VISION AND MISSION The vision statement of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) is the following: A community of students and staff dedicated to the provision of an exciting learning experience characterised by high-quality teaching and research that positively impact the development of the society.

The mission of the Faculty is to be a “highly visible and stimulating intellectual environment in which innovative and multidisciplinary teaching and research produce graduates with the technical skills, knowledge, and attitude required to support national development while enhancing the viability and reputation of the Faculty.”

II. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Geography Awareness Week (GAW) Activities: November 10-16, 2019 With support from the Department of Geography, the U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

University of Guyana Geographical Society undertook several activities in observance of GAW. Examples of these include The On-Campus Geography Day with the theme “On-Campus Sensitization Project” and GIS Day activities among others. The On-Campus Geography Day event, which took place in the GWLT Parking Lot on November 12, 2019 from 11:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs, showcased a number of booths. The Society collaborated with many governmental organizations for the execution of the activity. The booths showcased various aspects of the following: Medical Geography; Mapping Instruments; Research Project; and Careers in Geography.

B. GIS Day Activities On November 13, 2019 (designated GIS DAY internationally), the UGGS, in collaboration with the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Conservation 70

International Guyana Inc. (CI), World Wildlife Fund Guyana (WWF), among other agencies, hosted the GIS Day event. This event, overseen by Ms. Dina Benn, emphasized the branch of Geography known as geo-informatics. The event was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre from 9:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs Presentations were made by the Minister of Telecommunications, Hon. Cathrine Hughes; Dean of FEES, Dr Temitope Oyedotun; Executive Director - CI, Mr Damian Fernandes; and the UGGS Vice President, Ms. Jillyne Bell. Three separate activities were executed on the day, and these were: Open Street Mapping; Careers in Geography, and Open-space Discussion.

Former Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams, in her keynote address highlighted the crucial role of land and its increasing value as Guyana emerges as an oil and gas economy. She emphasized the importance of improving land administration and management systems and techniques and technologies to address existing issues and alleviate their proliferation. Minister Hasting-Williams opined that, “Valuation is a critical pillar in effective land administration. It is the basis of negotiation between buyers and sellers for land rent, land taxation, compensation, mortgages, secured borrowing, future investment, land use planning and identifying the value of an organisation’s assets.”

C. Launch of the Diploma in Valuation Programme The University of Guyana Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) launched a Diploma in Valuation Programme on February 6, 2020. The eighteen months programme is being delivered to 28 registered students within the Department of Geography. Students registered are representatives from the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Lands Registry and Deed Registry, and Guyana Forestry Commission.

The Minister applauded the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the GLSC on this commendable initiative. She also encouraged the students to recognize this as a step in your personal growth, as well as the strengthening of their respective organisations. “Take this opportunity and continue to build on it. In this case, your organisation has showed initiative to invest in you but you also have a responsibility to put in the necessary work to ensure that you are successful,” she advised.

Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, former Commissioner Trevor Benn posited the importance of training and education

Cross-section of attendees at the launching of the programme

The Programme commenced at 13:00 hrs with the welcome and opening remarks by the Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dr Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun. The Dean congratulated the students on their decision to pursue this programme and ecstatically welcomed them to the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Dean Oyedotun thanked the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for their collaboration and support in the development of this programme.

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Minister Hasting-Williams and Commissioner Trevor Benn delivering remarks at the event.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

within the workplace. The Commissioner emphasized that the programme is crucial since properties in Guyana have not been re-valued since the 1990s which creates a need for valuators in Guyana. He reiterated that “this programme will help us to be able to fill that vacuum and to enable the country to earn its full and right share from properties in the country.”

Then Chair, Transitional Management Committee of the University, and current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, in brief remarks, lauded the steps that has been taken by the Commission to ensure that its staff are properly trained to carry out their functions. She commended the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for efforts made in pursuing this project, endorsing, and funding so many of students. She noted that it is something that is largely laudable, and she congratulated and thanked the team for achieving this accomplishment. Also speaking on behalf of the University of Guyana, the Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, noted that the institution fashioned a programme that will meet industry needs but satisfies the prescribed academic best practices and standards.

The University of Guyana welcomes this collaboration and looks forward for more collaborations from its stakeholders.

D. FEES held series of SARS Workshop and Training on Mangrove Forest Monitoring The University of Guyana’s Faculty of Earth and Environment Sciences (FEES) in collaboration with

The Vice Chancellor (then Chair of Transition Management Committee, TMC; and the Dean of the Faculty delivering remarks at the launching of the programme.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

SERVIR-Amazonia, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Spatial Information Group (SIG), and CIAT (International Centre for Tropical Agriculture) hosted three series of international course (workshops/training) in the year 2020 as follows: • From January 20-24, 2020, at the Centre for Information Technology (CIT) of the University’s Turkeyen Campus. The training workshop/course was titled “Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to monitor mangrove forests in Guyana.”

• From May 14-June 08, 2020 held virtually. The training workshop/course was titled “Mapping and monitoring changes in mangrove forests using Python and more.”

• From September 14-23, 2020 held virtually. This training workshop/course was titled “Mapping and monitoring mangrove forests using Google Earth Engine.”

The course brought remote-sensing resources, primarily Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), to bear on mapping the extent and structure of mangrove forests along the coast of Guyana. Outputs of the training by participants included, but are not limited to: (a) mapping of mangrove extent, (b) evaluation of mangrove health, (c) generation of information that can be used for greenhouse gas reporting, (d) availability of data that can be used for assessing land-use changes that contribute to the loss of mangroves, (e) analysis of the performance of mangrove restoration efforts, (f) full documentation on analysis methods, (g) exposure to open-source algorithms for processing remotesensing data, (h) all data associated with the project, and (i) extensive training on how to use remote sensing techniques for mangrove monitoring and on operating a mangrove monitoring programme.

Participants were drawn from the University of Guyana (UG); Hydro-meteorological Department; National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); Conservation International – Guyana; Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC); Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA); World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guyana; Ministry of Public Infrastructure – Sea and River Defence Division; Amerindian Peoples Association (APA); Department of Environment; and Ministry of Natural Resources.

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Participants of the workshop series with NASA Team and the University Vice Chancellor.

The main trainers were Dr. Mark Simard from NASA and Ms. Abigal Barenblitt from University of Maryland/ NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre. Other scientists who were involved in some other aspects of the training include Dr. Glenn Hyman from Spatial Informatics Group (SIG), Dr. Lola Fatoyinbo, Ms. Andrea Nicolau, and Ms. Kelsey Herndon from NASA. Dr. Temitope Oyedotun, Dean of the Faculty, who initiated and facilitated the workshop stated that the ultimate objective of the initiative is for governmental agencies and civil society (decision-makers) to have access to up-to-date maps of mangrove extent and health. Such information can be useful for land-use planning and climate change mitigation efforts. The workshop was an enriching experience for participants.

E. A Special Meeting with the Head of governmental and non-governmental agencies On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, there was a special meeting of the Head of Organisations and Agencies that have their representatives that participated in the workshop. The special meeting was initiated: (a) to share the objectives and goals of bringing Earth Observation (EO) and Geospatial Technologies to sustainable development challenges in Guyana; (b) to deliberate on how developmental challenges of the agencies can be addressed by these technologies; and (c) to explore collaborations of the agencies with SERVIR-Amazonia.

Dr Marc Simmard, Principal Scientists, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, anchoring the training.

Cross-section of the meeting with the Head of agencies and their representatives.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

F. The CityLab CAR Project The CityLab Car project is a collaboration between fifteen (15) European and Caribbean Higher Education Institutes: University of Antwerp, Aalborg Universitet, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Politecnico di Torino, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the University of the West Indies, University of Trinidad and Tobago , University of Guyana, Government Technical Institute - Ministry of Education, Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname, Polytechnic College Suriname, Universidad Iberoamericana, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, University of Technology, and Caribbean Maritime University.

The project aims to stimulate innovation in teaching in higher education through problem-based learning (PBL) in the Caribbean, to make higher education institutes and students better prepared to deal with contemporary urban problems and challenges.

During the Academic Year 2019-2020, the Faculty of Earth and Environment Sciences continued to participate in several activities under this collaborative project. Key highlights during the period under review were: • The attendance of two faculty members at an international CityLab conference/workshop held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• Participation at the final CityLab project conference for project partners held on October 2, 2020. This final conference session also included a special Guyana National Seminar session which involved the participation of local CityLab educational institutes (the University of Guyana and the Government Technical Institute), along with several other local stakeholders.

The CityLab Car Project is officially scheduled to end in April 2021.

III. SUMMARY OF MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING 2019-2020 AND OTHER MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS A. Important Collaborations (private, public sector, and international) Some of the national and governmental agencies that the Faculty of Earth and Environment Sciences collaborated with, for one activity or the other, during the year include: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Department of Environment, Ministry of Presidency (DoE); Office of Climate Change, (OCC).

Collaboration with NASA and SERVIR-Amazonia is one of the examples of the faculty’s international organization for the academic year.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

IV. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 The overall plan of the faculty is to develop and streamline activities that will define the pathways for

the FEES’ infrastructure, academic programmes, and collaboration over the next five (5) years starting with 2021. More specifically the faculty will place emphasis on: • Broadening the types and quality of programme delivery; • Improving the technical capability of staff and students; and • Providing opportunities for staff and students to contribute to national development initiatives through research and innovation.

The plan will be achieved through threeTransformational Strategies (TSTs), which are summarily stated below: • TST 1: A modern, up-to-date, and well-equipped facility to facilitate teaching and scientific research in support of new and advanced programmes and increased student intake to enhance the faculty’s teaching-learning environment.

• TST 2: An innovative problem-solving faculty with programmes offered face-to-face, online, and blended oriented towards students’ needs and aspirations and fulfilling the demands of national development policies, plans, and programmes.

• TST 3: A well-connected and highly recognized faculty capable of attaining pedagogical standards comparable with those of similar-sized tertiary institutions internationally.

V. 2021-2025 DESIRED PROFESSORIAL CHAIR FOR THE FACULTY OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (FEES) • Full Professor of Meteorology/Climatology/ Atmospheric Science (with specialisation in interactions between atmospheric and Earth surface processes) • Full Professor in Environmental Geochemistry of the Anthropocene • Full Professor in Earth Data Science

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Faculty of Education and Humanities I. VISION The vision of the Faculty of Education and Humanities is to produce well-rounded graduates with mastery in skills needed to function nationally and internationally in an environment fostered by continuous quality assurance, staff development, ongoing research, and improved graduate programming.

II. SUMMARY - DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Department of Curriculum and Instruction The primary focus of the department in 2019-2020 was the revision of programmes to fulfil the required 120 credits. All revised programmes were approved by the Academic Board at its August 2020 meeting and the new secondary programmes (subject concentrations) were coded 3204B, and the Literacy Programme was separated and coded 3206.

The activities of the department were transformed with the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the second and third semesters. Face-to-face teaching was replaced by virtual teaching via Zoom and other strategies employed to assist students to adapt to this new mode which included one-on-one tutorials, WhatsApp messages, telephone discussions, and e-mails. Final examinations were replaced by continuous assessment, practicum courses were assessed by recorded lessons and mock teaching, and research projects were completed with the use of hypothetical data.

B. Department of Foundation and Education Management In keeping with its vision and mission to offer the highest standard of proven methodology in the theory, practice and administration of education was complemented by a 16.7% increase in enrolment (455 students) when compared to the previous year (390 students). One new undergraduate programme was introduced (Bachelor’s Degree in Youth and Community Development), and the master’s degree in Early Childhood Education was completed for its introduction in 2020-2021.

Faced with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the staff successfully transitioned from face-to-face to online teaching to complete Semesters 2 and 3 within the established timeline. New, additional staff Help-Clinics and Drop-In Sessions to address the questions and

Dean of Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr. Roslin Khan

concerns of students regarding the course delivery modes and assignments.

C. Department of History and Caribbean Studies For the first time in a period of five (5) years, two (2) students completed their studies for the award of the BA in History and, though there will be other graduates in the 2021 graduating class, student participation in this programme is below expectations. Faced with COVID-19, the department followed the decisions made by the faculty and completed Semester 2 successfully.

D. Department of Language and Cultural Studies • The Department of Language and Cultural Studies hosted the 37th Annual West Indian Literature Conference in October 2019.

• The Post-Graduate Diploma in Translation (Spanish) was reworked and approved.

• The Modern Languages Division worked collaboratively to develop an Associate Degree in Portuguese and developed a competency test in French, Spanish, and Portuguese to provide applicants, who have had been practicing these

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

languages, to secure exemptions from the beginner’s courses.

• The process of the formalization of the Guyanese Languages Unit was initiated and the first course in Guyanese Creolese was offered.

• As in all other Departments, faculty agreed procedures were followed in adapting to the conditions caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

outstanding assignments, making allowances for students, especially those in outlying regions who faced serious Internet challenges, among other measures. Other innovative strategies, such as different instructional delivery tools (break out groups, padlet discussions, and weekly reflections), had very positive impacts on student learning.

Unfortunately, some students from most interior regions, could not continue due to the lack of Internet access and Wi-Fi and, as a result, were unable to complete their courses.

E. Research and Graduate Studies Included in Foundation and Education Management.

III. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS At the start of the 2019-2020 academic year, the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) determined that it was necessary to address, in tangible ways, previous conversations on strategic planning to guide its activities by means of collaboration among all departments. Such collaboration took the form of a Colloquium on January 23, 2020 in which the question about the kind of graduate the FEH wishes to produce became the focus of our deliberations.

Having identified 16 characteristics that a graduate should demonstrate – such as analytical and well informed, a leader, an agent of change, ethical, moral, and being competent in field of study, among others the next question addressed was what we needed to produce such graduates. Responses included quality in terms of staff, adequate human resources, increased student numbers, more diverse course offerings, etc., despite weaknesses (lack of adequate technology, resources, and infrastructure, etc.) and threats (accreditation, culture of apathy, and de-motivation, etc.).

Unfortunately, the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic dramatically began to transform our reality and we found ourselves plunged into grappling with the limitations of technology and preparedness for coping with a new virtual norm.

Unlike faculties that have two semesters, we had to come up with strategies to complete Semester 2 with enough time remaining for Semester 3. So, as a faculty, we came up with student-centred strategies to guide our students by virtue of implementing virtual teaching via Zoom, using social media, allocating online office hours for one-on-one consultations, replacing final examinations with continuous assessments, granting “I” grades to allow students more time to complete U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

IV. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS Apart from ongoing research activities with regional and international agencies, by the Departments of History and Caribbean Studies and Department of Curriculum and Instruction, earlier collaborations by the still being formulated Guyanese Languages Unit in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies with the Linguistics Department, the Language Units and Academics from UWI, Mona Campus, paved the way for the 2020 design and running of a Certificate in Translation Workshop for Translators. These are for the nine (9) Indigenous languages and in Guyanese Creole, to heighten awareness of the dangers of the COVID-19 Pandemic, in our outlying regions and rural communities.

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An earlier mentioned ongoing initiative, that deserves to be repeated, is the University of Guyana Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (UG-ECCE), a project that was conceived in 2010 and received a grant in 2019 of GYD $161, 271, 131 from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana (GOG) through the Basic Needs Trust Fund Implementing Agency (BNTF-IA).

V. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 All departments will continue to collaborate and to work individually in addressing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that were identified by the Faculty’s SWOT Analysis of our Strategic Plan, which aligns in many ways to the University of Guyana’s BluePrint 2040. The strategies include improved quality of services to students, programme reviews, improved infrastructure, continued opportunities for

staff development, enhanced technology, enhanced eLibrary resources, and continued online training for lecturers.

While the Department of History and Caribbean Studies intends to review the undergraduate programmes, expand course offerings, and attempt to increase its visibility, the Department of Language and Cultural Studies projects increasing student numbers, introducing new relevant programmes, re-introducing the post-graduate programme in English, introducing new Associate of Arts (AA) programmes in Drama and Creative Writing, developing and opening the Language Institute as well as strengthening Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) offerings.

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Faculty of Engineering and Technology B. Department of Civil Engineering One Associate of Science student successfully completed an internship with the Inter-American Development Bank.

C. Department of Electrical Engineering Lecturers have advanced and incorporated softwarebased exercises in a virtual environment to enhance student learning. Both Associate and Bachelor degrees’ final year students produced excellent projects that were commended by stakeholders who attended the presentations.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Ms. Verlyn Klass

D. Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering Twenty-nine (29) students completed the first year of the Associate of Science in Petroleum Engineering that is being offered in conjunction with the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The department has initiated discussions with UTT for a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering to commence in 2021.

I. VISION The vision of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology is to be a globally and nationally valued, student centred research and teaching institution with the purpose of providing students with a supportive and academically enriching educational environment and the values of student first, professionalism, excellence in teaching and research, responsiveness and sustainability.

E. Department of Mechanical Engineering The department started preparing for the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) with a review of the course outlines and the formulation of the Department Industrial Advisory Board. It has also started to work on curriculum review. The revised programme will be ready for implementation in 20212022.

II. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS COVID-19 interrupted the plans of the departments, some of which were able to capitalize on the situation with good results. The faculty suspended all industrial attachments, until the COVID-19 situation changes, and several final year projects, which required the students to do research work in the field, had to be adjusted.

III. STAFF DEVELOPMENT • Mr. Safrwaz Sharief completed his MSc in Structural Engineering at Imperial College, London graduating at the top of his class.

• Mrs. Shion Norton-McLean completed the MSc in Project Management from UWI, St. Augustine.

• Miss Dione Holder obtained the International Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the West Indies.

• Mr. Mahendra Kanhai and Mr. Jomo Gill are enrolled in PhD programmes at Arizona State University, United States of America.

• Ms. Holder has been accepted into a PhD programme in Biomedical Engineering at Delaware

A. Department of Architecture The department completed its curriculum review for the undergraduate programme, which commenced in the new Academic Year 2020-2021. The number of students in the department is steadily increasing.

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University and Mr. Vishal Persaud is preparing to enrol in a PhD Programme in 2021.

A. Notable Staff Achievements Ms. Elena Trim, Head of the Mechanical Engineering

Department, was elected as President, Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Guyana Chapter and as the Secretary for Society of Petroleum Engineers, Georgetown Section.

Figure 1 – Faculty Research Agenda 79

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

IV. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS

IV. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS • The Research Committee held a workshop on Resume Writing for final year students.

• Faculty supported several outreach activities by companies in the Oil and Gas Industry with the final year students; the companies included Baker Hughes, Schlumberger and Geology.

• Faculty involved students in the accreditation process by forming the ABET (what does this mean? Please spell out) Student Support Group.

V. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS • University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT): The faculty began offering a new programme, the Associate of Science in Petroleum Engineering, as a result of an MOU between UG and UTT. • Acorn University, Mississippi, USA: A student exchange programme was held between the faculty and Acorn University, where a lecturer and five faculty students from electrical and mechanical engineering visited Acorn University in October 2019 and there was a return visit to the faculty by two professors and five students in November 2019.

• Aker Solutions: Aker Solutions, an oil and gas company located in Newfoundland, Canada prepared a Guyana Exchange Workforce Development Program to accommodate the faculty’s students at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. This proposal was to be presented to Exxon Mobil.

VI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • ABET Accreditation: Prof. Norman Munroe, a

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Fulbright Scholar, was a visiting professor to the faculty during the academic year and is continuing to help the faculty to prepare for accreditation.

A committee has been set up to spearhead programmes being accredited by ABET. The faculty committee consists of Dr. Anna Perreira, Mrs. Elena Trim, and Mr. Anil James. Departments have begun to work on revision/rewriting of their course outlines in keeping with the ABET requirements and on the forming of Departmental Advisory Boards. An ABET Student Support Committee was also formed to have the students engaged in some of the processes required for accreditation.

• FET Sustainability Conference: The Faculty Research Committee is planning a conference on the theme of Sustainability in Engineering and the Built Environment. Themes will include Green Building and Resilient Cities; Sustainable Energy; Sustainable Transportation and Infrastructure; Industrial and Agricultural Sustainability; Sustainable Engineering Education; Policy and Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Engineering and Technology; and Women in Engineering Sustainability.

• New Programmes: Faculty plans to offer the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering through UTT and to continue to offer its part-time Industrial Engineering programme in a blended mode, as this would suit the working students who are doing these programmes. There are also plans to develop a Geoscience Programme in collaboration with FEES.

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Faculty of Health Sciences/College of Medical Sciences I. VISION AND MISSION Vision: To empower, engage, and educate health care professionals, scientists, and researchers who will lead their fields to best serve the health and well-being of people in Guyana, the region, and beyond.

Mission: As a national premier medical sciences research and education provider, we are recognized for our strategic partnerships and collaboration initiatives, our commitment to diversity, and innovative approaches to education and research excellence.

II. COLLEGE ADMINISTRATORS • Dean: Dr. Emanuel Cummings • Assistant Dean: Dr. Cecil Boston • Director School of Medicine: Dr. Reeta Gobin • Director School of Pharmacy: Dr. Karishma Jeeboo • Director School of Nursing: Rev Dr. Noel Holder • Director School of Allied Health: Mr. Davon Van Veen • Director School of Dentistry: Dr. Carlos Varona • Coordinator Optometry: Dr. Genalin Ang • Coordinator Medical Rehabilitation: Dr. Sheena Villareal III. MAJOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT • During the academic year 2019-2020, the Faculty of Health Sciences was renamed the College of Medical Sciences (CMS) with a new organizational structure consisting of the following: School of Medicine - Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS), BSc Optometry, BSc Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, and Audiology), Master of Public Health, and Affiliate Programmes which includes Tropical Medicine and Postgraduate Programmes in Medicine; School of Allied Health - BSc Medical Technology, BSc Medical Imaging, and BSc Environmental Health; School of Pharmacy - BSc Pharmacy; School of Nursing - BSc Nursing, BSc Emergency Nursing, BSc Neonatal Nursing, BSc Public Health Nursing; and School of Dentistry Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

• Resuscitation of the Joint Relations Committee with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Georgetown

Dean of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr. Cecil Boston

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The ad hoc Joint Relations Committee, convened by the Minister, has revised the tripartite MOU between UG, MoH, and GPHC. The revised MOU is currently being reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General and will be circulated for signature of all parties once that review is complete.

• GESIP Project - New College of Medical Sciences Building (image shared below): Final design documents presented to local stakeholders, Turkeyen Campus in January 2020. Construction documents and Engineer’s Estimates now finalised. Three World Bank Missions (two virtual) were conducted in 2019-2020. The next phase will involve tendering and procurement processes.

We remain optimistic that the building will be completed well before the project deadline in 2023, barring any further major disruptions.

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• GESIP Project - Student Assessment and Faculty Capacity Building (Component 2.1): ExamSoft platform purchased for administration of MBBS examinations. Staff from School of Medicine and other CMS departments trained in platform usage. Platform successfully used to administer mid-semester and final examinations for Years 1 and 2 students in Semester 1, Academic Year 20192020. Several staff development sessions were conducted virtually with Prof. Sarah Strasser.

• Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre: The superstructure, plumbing, and electrical fittings for the Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre (YPCEC) has been completed. Outstanding work to be done relates mainly to internal finishes and outfitting (procuring of furniture and equipment).

While some of the monies may be obtained from the Learning Resource Fund, the majority will hopefully be provided by the government, via the Ministry of Health. The building’s utilities, maintenance, and management will be provided by the Ministry of Health via the GPHC budget.

• Establishment of the FHS/CMS Centre for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (will arise out of COVID-19 task force convened by the VC), and the UGSM NCD Research Unit (planned for 2020-2021).

• Development of a Quality Assurance Framework (started), and engagement of a Quality Assurance Officer (planned for 2020-2021).

• Formalization of our Social Accountability agenda (planned for 2020-2021).

• Hosting an online workshop, “Writing for Publication”, to encourage conversion of research to published output (planned for 2020-2021).

• Establishment of the BSc Nursing programme at the Tain location, University of Guyana Berbice Campus.

IV. NOTABLE VISITORS • Mr. Nikolay Loza (Architect) and team: Presentation of the final design documents for the new FHS/ CMS building funded by the World Bank (January 2020).

• Dr. Sarah Strasser – Curriculum Consultant: Assessment Strategy and BluePrint 2040, U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

implementation of ExamSoft Workshops (February 2020).

V. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED ACADEMIC STAFF • Dr. Karishma Jeeboo promoted to Lecturer II • Dr. Genalin Ang promoted to Lecturer II • Dr. Sheena Villarreal promoted to Lecturer II VI. PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • Dr. Karishma Jeeboo: Caribbean Association of Pharmacists Key Member and Education subcommittee member.

• Dr. Reeta Gobin: Invited to serve on Scientific Steering Groups of UK-funded HEKIMA-Kenya and Xunati-Uti (Brazil) Studies from November 2019. Also involved in (a) Congregations Taking Action against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) (CONTACT) Study intervention (Dr. Gobin is local PI) incorporated into 2019-2020 Revision of Guyana’s National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Strategic Plan; and (b) Chair of ad hoc Joint

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Relations Committee between UG, GPHC and MoH from September 2020.

VII. ACADEMIC PROGRAMME • DM Programme: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (affiliate programme with IHSE).

VIII. STUDENT PRIZES AWARDED AT 2020 CONVOCATION EXERCISE • Valedictorian: Karishma Narain (GPA 4.0) IX. MAJOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES • Awards Dinner and White Coat Ceremony • Students vs. Faculty Sports/Fun Day • Culture Fair • Volunteering during COVID-19 outbreak (several medical students from different years of the programme have been volunteering as part of the Government’s COVID-19 response) • Health Fairs - either independently organized or in collaboration with health agencies (e.g., Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO Guyana) or communities (e.g., churches) • Health Walks to raise awareness about lifestyle choices • Public Service Announcements via television, radio, and social media • Creation and distribution of posters and pamphlets • Demonstrations of self-care (e.g., for diabetic foot) in clinics and communities • Call-in programmes and interviews on popular radio and television shows X. OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS • Conversion of assessment for all courses to continuous assessment.

• Prioritization of didactic teaching in clinical clerkships, while observing the course of the epidemic, to be able to allow students to return to practical clinical settings. To date, GPHC (the only authorized teaching hospital) has not agreed to

allow students back into the wards and clinics.

• Modification of course outlines to align learning objectives with virtual teaching methods.

• Continued improvement of overall and online teaching/learning and assessment, including transition to the 2017 curriculum, and implementation of the Assessment Strategy, especially piloting of the integrated examinations.

• Continued staff development, especially through staff participation, in the University of Michigan, USA course, and establishment of a Medical Education Unit. Second cohort has commenced training.

• Establishing a School of Medicine NCD Research and Implementation Science Unit, to conduct high-quality, population-based research to identify effective, efficient, and culturally appropriate approaches to prevention and control of NCDs and their complications across Guyana. Part of the mandate of the unit would be to identify and access sources of funding for NCD research.

XI. GENERAL CONCLUSION The challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the losses of dear ones, make it impossible to claim that this has been a good year for the College. However, it was a year of achievement. We have made progress in addressing the areas of concern identified by CAAM-HP; we have fulfilled our mission by producing yet another cohort of well-trained, hardworking, compassionate junior doctors, and we have taken real steps towards realising our vision of becoming a centre of excellence in socially accountable medical education, research, and service. Our faculty continues to grow and we are seeing more alumni returning to make their own contributions to the development of the College of Medical Sciences. Our students continue to be diligent, creative, and adaptable, and both staff and students are adjusting well to the ‘new normal’ of remote and online operations.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Walk 2019

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Faculty of Natural Sciences

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Dr Troy Thomas

I. VISION The vision of the Faculty of Natural Sciences is to be the Centre of Excellence in Pure and Applied Sciences, spearheading scientific advancements, innovation, and human resource development locally and internationally.

A. Department of Biology The mission of the department is four-fold: • Teaching: To present a high quality, standardized, relevant, and up-to-date curriculum using proven teaching methods and modern technologies.

• Research: To engage in high quality, innovative, cutting edge research of scientific relevance and development, and policy oriented in an atmosphere of academic freedom, and in collaboration with local and foreign agencies.

• Community Outreach and Involvement: To meaningfully engage with the local community, responding to its needs, and supporting national development through public awareness, the advancement of appropriate ethics and direct action.

• Business: To support businesses through quality advisory services and market-oriented research.

B. Department of Chemistry To provide high quality teaching, research, and public

service that make a tangible contribution to the discipline and its related areas relevant to the need of Guyana, the region, and the world.

C. Department of Computer Science To be the Vanguard of information and communications technology education in Guyana.

D. Department of Mathematics, Physics, & Statistics The Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics strives to be the model of academic excellence and expertise and fostering human capital development in all of its disciplines as a proficient knowledge centre embodying research, integrity, and leadership.

E. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity The vision of the CSBD is the realization of a state of total awareness of Guyana’s biodiversity and the harmonious integration of human livelihoods with this biodiversity, while realizing our ambitions for national development.

II. FACULTY/DEPARTMENTAL DEMOGRAPHICS A. Faculty Office and Office of the Dean • Dean: Dr. Troy Thomas • Assistant Dean: Ms. Diana Seecharran • Administrative Officer (ag): Ms. Rajshrie Balram

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• Personal Assistant: Ms. Latoya Khemraj • Clerk/Typist: Ms. Joy Austin • Office Attendant: Mr. Mark Marshall B. Heads of Departments • Biology: Prof. Abdullah Ansari • Chemistry: Ms. Samantha Joseph • Computer Science: Ms. Penelope Defreitas • Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics: Mr. Antalov Jagnandan • Director, CSBD: Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj III. SUMMARY - DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Department of Biology The Department of Biology is positioned on the proverbial “growing edge” as the global thrust of conservation and preservation of food supplies intensifies. The department is charged with studying biological systems in a “near pristine but also vulnerable biosphere” while simultaneously monitoring the sustainability of the delicate balance that still exists in the conservation-exploitation continuum of vast areas within Guyana. The department engaged in its undertaking, in a context where over 94% of the academic staff possessed advanced degrees, while three lecturers pursued doctoral programmes in the USA. Students in the department of Biology had the option of participating in the Botany Club, Tokoye Club, Trustees of Nature Club, and the Journal Club and were involved in several field trips to local geographical regions of interest where they conduct ecological studies, observing the intricacies of the complex interrelationships between native fauna and flora.

B. Department of Computer Science The Academic Year 2019-2020 was an interesting and challenging one. The Department of Computer Science (CS) attained the highest number of registered students in its history - 373 students - across its programmes.

Students were urged to join at least one of the six (6) clubs (UG Robotics, TechEd Revolution, Social Media, UG Cyber security, Free and Open Source Software, and UG Girls in Computing) to become more rounded by expanding their skill set, participate in regional and international competitions, and give back to the community. A majority of staff possessed advanced degrees, and five were enrolled in doctoral programmes in the USA and UK. In the wake of COVID-19, the staff swiftly adapted to the online learning environment.

A CS departmental survey conducted on conclusion of the semester revealed that students highly U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

appreciated the support, communication, and the learning materials that were disseminated in the online classroom setting; however, student to student and student to lecturer online classroom engagement were identified as areas for improvement.

C. Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics The Academic Year 2019-2020 has seen continued advancements of the Mathematics, Physics and Statistics (MPS) department in staffing, students, acquisition of equipment, club activities, and cocurricular activities. Two (2) staff members were promoted, three (3) staff members were pursuing advanced degrees, and there are ongoing research activities. The department also piloted its revised BSc Statistics programme and continued engaging students through club activities.

D. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity The Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD) worked closely with local governmental and non-governmental institutions and collaborated with scientists, staff, and students from foreign and local research institutions and universities such as the Environmental Protection Agency Guyana, Iwokrama International Centre, World Wildlife Fund (Guianas), Conservation International, Royal Ontario Museum, The Smithsonian, University of Michigan, the Field Museum, University of Warwick, University of Florida, Boise State University, and the University of Oxford.

Through these collaborations and the tireless work of the staff, the CSBD was able to carry out its main activities which included: one (1) short training session by an international researcher; several in-house training between staff and students; award of six (6) student research grants; one (1) verification; several educational tours to local schools; and hosting of two (2) international researchers. Although the year was successful, many planned activities with students were cut short and some had to be postponed due to COVID-19.

IV. SUMMARY OF MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS COMPLETED AND OTHER MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS Across the faculty, a total of 42 publications were achieved for the year. This effort was driven largely by the Department of Biology but each department/unit contributed to this faculty total.

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A. Department of Biology The major projects undertaken by members of the department include (a) A comparative assessment of avifaunal diversity and abundance in the FelicityChateau Margot Mangrove Reserve, E.C.D.; (b) Morph-physicochemical and Transcriptome responses Chenopodium quinoa to salinity; (c) Students’, graduates’, and lecturers’ perceptions of employability at a university: A case study to define current strategies and recommend improvements; (d) Earthworm Population Ecology, impact of deforestation on earthworm populations in Guyana’s rainforests, four (4) newly documented species of earthworms in a coastal mangrove ecosystem of Guyana; and (e) Biodiversity and Fisheries Survey for NAPPI Reservoir, Nappi Village, Region 9.

Two (2) members of the department – Elford Liverpool and Calvin Bernard – were members of the Marine Turtle Action Task Force and Committee, coordinated

by GWCMC and Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

In addition, Elford Liverpool was the Coordinator for “Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: The Eastern Gate to the Caribbean.” This was EU Funded and led by WWF - Guianas and PAC. 2019-2020.

B. Department of Chemistry Samantha Joseph and Medeba Uzzi were rewarded a Festival Grant of USD $3,000 from American Chemical Society’s Committee on International Activities, Committee on Community Activities, and Society Committee on Education for training Chemistry Teachers.

C. Department of Computer Science Two (2) major research projects were undertaken by members of the department. These projects focused on first time experiences of female with programming at the Grade 6 to 9 Levels and on predicting student performance in small cohorts using dynamic attributed of Bloom’s course classification. Members of the department achieved three (3) publications and three (3) conference presentations were recorded for the year.

Two (2) staff members completed Master of Science degrees. Specifically, Mr. Dave Sarran completed a Master of Science in Information Systems Management at University of Sheffield, UK and Ms. Juanelle Marks completed a Master of Science in Data Science at the City University of New York, USA. D. Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics The Academic Year 2019-2020 has seen continued advancements of the MPS Department in staffing, students, acquisition of equipment, club activities, and co-curricular activities. Some staff were promoted and others were completing advanced degrees. There is ongoing research on mobile learning by several members of the department. The department also piloted its revised BSc Statistics degree.

E. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity The CSBD executed one (1) major research project during the year. This project focused on restoring ecosystem functions to degraded mining sites in Guyana and it was done under a NORAD grant through Conservation International Guyana. In addition, Ms. Christell Chesney was awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue an MSc in Conservation and Rural Development at the University of Kent, UK. She has received a Global Skills Award from the Kent Graduate School, University of Kent, UK in July 2020.

V. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS The Department of Chemistry is host to the UG Chem Club through which students are mentored within the department. Each cohort has a representative responsible for encouraging students to participate in club activities. Through annual elections, a faculty representative is selected to support and guide students in these activities but more importantly to host at least one professional development workshop per semester. Letters of commendation, prepared by

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the department and signed by the Head of Department and Dean of the faculty, were issued to students in all cohorts who had a GPA of 3.4 or higher.

The Department of Computer Science (CS) has 6 clubs: UG Robotics, TechEd Revolution, Social Media, UG Cyber Security, Free and Open-Source Software, and UG Girls in Computing. The clubs offer an outlet for the students to become more rounded by expanding their skillset, regional and international participation

in competitions, social camaraderie, and giving back to the community. Each of the CS department clubs was engaged in activities during 2019-2020. The more notable mentions were a Halloween Social which brought together all of the CS department clubs, RoboPi - Inaugural Raspberry Pi Workshop, STEM Robotics Programme for Special Needs Schools (a collaboration with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities), Safe Tech Day 2019, and CS50x Puzzle Day 2020.

The RoboPi Workshop

The STEM Robotics Programme launch

The students and members of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics were actively involved in co- and extra-curricular activities. The University of Guyana Astronomical Society (UGAS) continued to be vibrant and well supported. The department launched the University of Guyana Mathematics and Statistics Society (UGMASS) U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

in November 2019. The students and staff of the department continued their involvement in special activities such hosting CSEC and CAPE students from a number of schools for Physics SBA laboratories. They also engaged various schools to increase awareness and interest of Physics.

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Members of the Executive of UGMASS

Grade 6 students of Nismes Primary School being engaged

VI. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS • Training Globally Competent Students for the Food, Agricultural, Natural and Human Sciences Workforce - A 1890 and Latin American Institutional Partnership: The proposed project will deliver global training in the FANRH sciences to students from UG, GSA, and the partnering 1890 institutions (VSU and FAMU) in a unique on-line learning community, and be engaged in the interactive experiential learning of global issues that transcend discipline and national borders. In the face of the global pandemic, training will be delivered by novel synchronous learning experiences across the US, Guyana, and Guatemala through a virtual environment.

• Partnership between UG, the Caribbean Open Institute, Slashroots, and UWI: The Caribbean School of Data Project, launched in January of 2020, wasfunded partially by Google. The CS Department will be working along with UG-PACE to run this project in Guyana.

• The CS Department partnered with Girls in Tech – Coffee and Code Mentorship.

• The CS Department, Girls in Tech, and Guyana Animation Network – Virtual Tech Fair.

• National Biodiversity Repository: The CSBD

functions as the main national repository for biodiversity collections and information in Guyana.

The CSBD continued working with the Guyana EPA and Ministry of Environment on the project “Enhancing Guyana’s National Biodiversity Information System (NBRIS).”

• Verifications: The CSBD works along with the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor the exchanges of genetic resources and the related data.

VII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS The Department of Biology intends to: • Introduce an MSc/MPhil in Biology.

• Conduct training and workshops in systematics and bioinformatics, project management, and research proposal grant writing.

• Introduce Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory.

• Engage in curriculum review.

The Department of Chemistry intends to: • Use recently administered exit poll to the first group of potential graduates from the Revised BSc Chemistry Programme to assist with programme review.

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• Enhance the BSc programme with the introduction of other application based elective courses.

• Collaborate with industry to facilitate more work study opportunities for students.

• Procure equipment to enhance teaching and learning in the BSc in Food Science.

• Establish a special prize for the Best Graduating Chemistry Student.

The Department of Computer Sciences intends to: • Introduce an MSc in Information Systems.

• Develop short courses, e.g., Web and Content Accessibility, and CS Education.

• Partner with the private and public sectors to engage in research initiatives.

• Introduce the Human Computer Interaction and Networking Laboratories.

• Engage in curriculum review.

The Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics intends to: • Introduce an MSc in Statistics/ Quantitative Analysis.

• Restart the BSc Physics programme.

The CSBD hopes to: • Continue its multiple collaborations.

• Offer training programmes in biodiversity data collection, analyses, and use - in an online format.

• Expand training options that focus on species and ecosystem data, to genetic data collection, systematics, and bioinformatics.

• Continue to offer several student grants to support biodiversity research at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

• Continue its verification process.

• Open its doors to a limited number of students and researchers who would like to use our collections to carry out their research.

Genetic cataloging of Guyana’s flora and fauna Biodiversity research in Guyana has mainly examined diversity at the species and (somewhat) at the ecosystem scale and has focused primarily on the physical environment, population sizes and species diversity.

Though overseas based researchers have collected and analyzed genetic material for their particular interests, no comprehensive work on Guyanese Biodiversity has been done and virtually none has been undertaken locally on native wild species.

The Research Agenda There is a substantial knowledge gap as it relates to our biodiversity on a genetic scale. Considering our intrinsic dependence on biodiversity and its significant potential to impact Guyana’s progress as a green economy, it is important that we catalogue the genetic diversity of critical native wild species.

FNS-CSBD requires a scientist with expertise in Genetics, Systematics and Bioinformatics who will work with the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD) to: a) establish SOPs for sample collection and bar-coding techniques b) setup a small-scale genetic lab facility to carry out bar coding c) train staff, faculty and students in areas such as sample collection, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis and Sequencing d) provide training in basic Systematics and Bioinformatics While centered at the CSBD this research agenda involves synergies with researchers in the Biology, Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Science departments and inter-agency collaboration.

Director, CSBD, Dr. Gyanpriya Maharaj U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Faculty of Social Sciences • Head, Department of Law: Duke Pollard, B.A. LLB, LLM, LEC • Head, Department of Sociology: Andrew Hicks, B. Soc. Sc., Post-Grad. Dip. Ed., M.A • Director, Graduate School of the Social Sciences: O’Neil Greaves, B. Soc. Sc., Grad. Dip., MBA, M. Soc. Sc. • Coordinator, Diploma in Public Management, Department of Government and International Affairs: Queenela Cameron, B. Sc., M.A. • Coordinator, Undergraduate Social Work Unit, Department of Sociology: Shonell Smith-Enoe, Dip., B. Soc. Sc., MSW • Coordinator, Master of Social Work, Department of Sociology: Debbie Hopkinson, Dip., B. Soc. Sc., Post-Grad. Dip. Ed., MSW • Coordinator, Division of Social Sciences, UGBC: Chelsey Halley-Crawford, Dip., B. Soc. Sc., MSW • Administrative Officer: Margaret Williams, Dip., B. Soc. Sc. Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mr. Hector Edwards

I. VISION The Faculty of Social Sciences is the largest constituent of the University of Guyana, which is the national institution of higher education. The Faculty recognises its dynamic role in fashioning national consciousness and creating research, services, products, and graduates of the highest quality who are experientially, practically, and attitudinally equipped to position Guyana as a regional and global leader. At the core of this vision are the ideals of relevance, service, excellence, advancement, personal, intellectual, academic, and other freedoms.

II. FACULTY ADMINISTRATORS • Dean: Hector Edwards, B. Soc. Sc., MBA, M. Soc. Sc. • Assistant Dean: Diana Gobin, B. Soc. Sc., MBA • Director, Centre for Communication Studies: Nelsonia Persaud-Budhram, Dip., B. Soc. Sc., PostGrad. Dip. • Head, Department of Economics: Sydney Armstrong, Dip., B. Soc. Sc., M.Sc. • Head, Department of Government and International Affairs: Kevin Fogenay, B. Soc. Sc., Post-Grad. Dip., MPA

III. MAJOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT During the past academic year, several faculty members were awarded higher degrees. The newly minted doctoral faculty are: Dr. Keisha Solomon (Department of Economics), Dr. Taijrani Rampersaud (Centre for Communication Studies), Dr. Carolyn Walcott (Centre for Communication Studies), and Dr. Paulette Henry (Department of Sociology). Ms. Monica Miller (Department of Sociology) and Mr. Errol La Cruz (Department of Economics) also successfully completed Master degrees.

The 46th Volume of Transition, now renamed Transformational Journal, was published. The Transition Journal, through the Institute of Development Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Guyana, supports research and publishes original works of scholarship and policy of relevance to national and regional economic development by Caribbean academics. Works published typically includes scholarly articles, book reviews, interviews, short essays, and other communications.

IV. NOTABLE VISITORS • Prof. Jorge Ramirez-Vallejo, Principal Associate, Harvard Business School, Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness

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• Prof. Sarah Maiter, York University • Dr. Christopher Chapman, Associate Professor, York University

• • • • •

• • •

Best Graduating Student Hugh Wooding Law School, Alum of Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Law Chevy Devonish

V. MAJOR AWARDS RECEIVED • • Errol LaCruez was awarded a fully funded scholarship under the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) to pursue a Master Degree in Public Administration in Economic Policy Management at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York, United States of America.

• • Sydney Armstrong was awarded a fully funded scholarship under the University of Guyana, Guyana Resilient and One (GRO) project to pursue a PhD in Innovation in Global Development at Arizona State University.

VI. NEWLY APPOINTED AND PROMOTED ACADEMIC STAFF • Joycelin Kyte-Thomas, LL.B., LEC, LL.M, PostGrad. Cert, Post-Grad. Dip., – Appointed in the Department of Law • Melissa Lynch, LLB, LLM – Appointed in the Department of Law VII. PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • Dr. Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow, Lecturer II – Director U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• •

on the Board of Directors of Guyana Office for Investment & Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr. Kadasi Ceres, Lecturer I – Assistant Chief / Chief Examiner Caribbean Examination Council Mr. Sydney Armstrong, Lecturer I – Director on the Board of Trustees for the Guyana Protected Areas Trust.

Ms. Angelina Autar, Lecturer I – Volunteers at All Saints Primary School in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Ms. Queenela Cameron, Lecturer I – Director on the Board of Directors of Atlantic Hotel Incorporated.

Ms. Dionne Frank, Lecturer I – Secretary/Treasurer/ Vice President (ag), Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators (ACSWE) & Representative on the Editorial Board and Review Panel of the Caribbean Journal of Social Work.

Mr. Oneil Greaves, Lecturer II - Director on the Board of Directors of Guyana Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Dr. Paulette Henry, Lecturer II – Chairperson of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission.

Ms. Barbara Thomas-Holder, Senior Lecturer – Member of the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and the Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators.

Ms. Leann Kendall, Lecturer I – Advisor to the Board of The Wellness Centre (Guyana).

Mr. Hector Edwards, Lecturer II – General Secretary of the Guyana Olympic Association

VIII. MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS The Faculty of Social Sciences held a Research Day on November 14, 2019 under the theme “Blueprints for a Transformed Guyana: Ideas from the Social Sciences.”

This research day was planned and executed by Dr. Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow from the Department of Economics. There were eight (8) paper presentations including: • The Black and Blue Paradox by Hector Edwards and Diana Gobin • Masculinity and Violence: The Male Perpetrator’s Perspective on Intimate Partner Violence in Guyana

by Melissa Bess • Transaction Cost Perspective of Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade by Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow • Media and the Forging of a National Identity in a Changing Guyana by Mark McGowan • Sociological Factors that have an impact on the learning/achievement of Social Work students at the University of Guyana by Pearline Gilkes-Henry • Bridging the Expectation and Needs Gap: A New Dispensation by Hector Edwards and Diana Gobin

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• AgricultureTechnology by ECN 3102 Undergraduate Students (Department of Economics) • Dutch Disease: Lessons for Guyana ECN 4103 Undergraduate Students (Department of Economics)

the department continues to work with the Economics Students Society to develop real solutions for the issues that students face. This relationship continues to be fruitful as senior students are encouraged to provide guidance and mentorship to the other students.

IX. OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS Economics provides meaningful solutions to many of the issues facing the global community, such as energy transition, climate change, sustainable development, and oil and gas. The COVID-19 Pandemic has demonstrated this as all countries required not only sound medical policies to emerge successful out of this pandemic but also sound economic policies. This is so because economic issues and medical issues are intricately linked in this instance and they affect the welfare and wellbeing of most if not all individuals in some way.

The Department of Law continues to work closely with the Faculty of Law, Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies, Barbados to build networks and to foster better communication and collaboration between the two Institutions. The department is also focused on curriculum development and curriculum review of programmes with the hopes of offering them soon: (a) Diploma in Legal Education (DLE), (b) Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting, and (3) Master of Laws in Legislative Drafting. The department also plans to draft courses in Advocacy and International Mooting, Competition Law in Caribbean Single Market and Economy, Introduction to Legislative Drafting, Land Registration and Conveyance, Energy, and Mineral Law.

The Department of Economics continues to contribute to the public discourse on important issues facing Guyana and the rest of the world and these include Oil and Gas, COVID-19, Energy Transition and Green Jobs, The Department of Government and International and Social Inequalities and Sustainable Development. Affairs embarked on a review of its highly demanded The well qualified academic and administrative staff programmes - Bachelor of Social Sciences (International continue to serve the University and wider community Relations) and Bachelor of Social Sciences (Public well and this has caused the department’s programmes Management). to be highly sought after by high ranking secondary school graduates. The department continues to offer The Centre for Communication Studies (CCS) was two elite programmes, the Bachelor of Social Sciences engaged in drafting a Master of Social Sciences with (Business Economics) and the Bachelor of Social three specializations: (a) Strategic Communication; Sciences (Economics) with ten (10) active teaching and (b) Social Change Communication; and (3) Visual research staff, including specialists in development Communication – to be offered soon. economics, climate change, international finance, labour, and international trade. It is important to The Department of Sociology continues to manage its note that a curriculum review is ongoing for both collaboration with York University to offer a Master of The Department of Sociology to because manageofitsSocial collaboration with University offer programmes.

The reviewscontinues were initiated Work (MSW).

TheYork department is alsoto planning the global and local direction on issues related to oil to offer a PhD sometime soon through a similar a Masterand of Social Work (MSW). The department is also planning to offer a PhD sometime soon gas, energy, and sustainable development to collaborative effort as the MSW programme. through which a similar collaborative as the MSW programme. economics has a majoreffort role to play.

Additionally, X. STUDENT AWARDED AT 2019 CONVOCATION EXERCISE X. STUDENT PRIZESPRIZES AWARDED AT 2019 CONVOCATION EXERCISE

Title of Award The Vice-Chancellor Special Award Prime Minister’s Medal The Pro-Chancellor Medal The First Distinguished Professor Clive Y. Thomas Prize Sybil Patterson Award The Shirley Alma Paul Memorial Award Republic Bank Limited Chairman’s Award 93

Recipient Onika Bobb Alana Herbert Simran Gajraj Nasiah Hadmon Ornetta Waldron Dwayne Hackett Onika Bobb U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

XI. MAJOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES During the Academic Year 2019-2020, students of the Faculty of Social Sciences participated in

counselling and community development projects as part of their academic training.

XI. MAJOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES During the Academic Year 2019-2020, students of the Faculty of Social Sciences participated in Students Society Elections, Diwali Celebrations, Inter-Faculty Cricket, Basketball, Chess, Dominoes, Football, and Scrabble Competitions.

The International Relations students participated in a study tour to the Dominican Republic in November 2019. The students had the opportunity to engage in discussions and lectures on issues relating to CARICOM and as well as international relations, and economic and social issues in the region. The tours also allowed the students to further establish personal and professional networks as well as experience a different culture, food, and hospitality, among other things. Additionally, International Relations students participated in the Harvard National Model United Nations Latin America General Assembly Conference in Mexico in January 2020.

The Social Work and Sociology students continue to make an annual educational trip to the New Amsterdam Female Prison and are engaged in several practical

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

XII. GENERAL CONCLUSION Despite a challenging year which required radical changes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the lecturers, staff, and students of the Faculty of Social Sciences were able to transition to virtual classes in a timely manner and were able to successfully complete the Academic Year 2019-2020.

The faculty continues to work on curriculum development and review, professional development for faculty and support staff, and enhancement of the quality of delivery to our students. This proactive approach is necessary to keep our programmes relevant and to meet the needs of industry.

The faculty looks forward to the 2020-2021 academic year and to establishing greater collaborations with universities in the region and internationally, so that both staff and students could benefit from the knowledge sharing through teaching and research, academic tours, and student and staff exchanges programmes.

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School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation instruments as the economy expands. Enrolment in the newly introduced degree programmes in Accountancy and Finance are growing.

B. Department of Management and Entrepreneurship (SEBI) The Bachelor of Social Science in Management remains SEBI’s most popular offering. This we attribute to familiarity of the general population with this area of study. In line with SEBI’s focus, the degree programme in Business Management is being phased out and no new students are being admitted. The Entrepreneurship programme has seen growth in this academic year. We expect to see increased growth in the coming year. As previously mentioned, we think that this programme will benefit from increased public awareness of what entrepreneurship really entails and the renewed GOG focus on economic growth and development fuelled by entrepreneurial initiatives.

Dean of SEBI, Prof. Leyland Lucas

I. VISION The core mission of the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) is to educate and develop entrepreneurial and innovative leaders and managers with the skills, competencies, predisposition, and habits of mind to contribute to the social vitality and sustainable economic advancement of the nation and the global community.

II. SUMMARY – DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Department of Accountancy and Finance This department is experiencing significant growth.

Two (2) of the most popular programmes are the Diploma in Accountancy and Diploma in Banking and Finance. This we attribute to the marketability of our students and industry needs, particularly with respect to individuals who are currently working in these areas.

Despite their popularity, we intend to complete a review of these diploma programmes in 2020-2021. This is necessitated by, among other things, global regulatory changes and the possible introduction of new financial

C. Department of Marketing and Tourism Management The Diploma in Marketing programme remains very popular. As in the case of other diploma programmes, we will undertake a review to ensure our students are exposed to the current issues in this field. The B. Soc. Sc. in Marketing is being phased out since SEBI has introduced a new Marketing Degree Programme.

The Bachelor of Arts in Tourism has not admitted students over the past year. This was a decision based on the review that was previously completed and the intention to launch a new programme in keeping with the recommendations of the review team. The faculty, in consultations with industry experts, spent the academic year finalizing that new programme, which will focus on Sustainable Tourism. It is slated to be launched in the 2021-2022 academic year.

D. Department of Procurement and Supply Chain Management The enrolment into this programme continues to grow as it is seen as beneficial to the direction of the country. Although the growth has been slow, this may be attributed to a lack of awareness regarding this major. During this academic year, SEBI engaged a number of stakeholders to educate individuals in the

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benefits of this major. As a consequence, we expect to see significant growth in those areas, beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year.

III. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS • Assistant Dean Todd was asked and agreed to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• Prof. Lucas presented his Professorial Lecture titled “Human Capital Strategy and Economic Transformation: The case of Guyana,” at Lichas Hall, Linden • Prof. Lucas participated in forum titled “Local Content Policy must be in line with Green State Development Strategy 2040.” Forum on Local Content Policy sponsored by Guyana Chamber of Commerce & Industry. August 26, 2020, Kaieteur News. Georgetown, Guyana • Three faculty members admitted to Doctoral Programmes • Ms. Ann Persaud advanced to Candidacy at the University of Lancaster • Prof. Lucas reappointed as Chairman, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) • Prof. Lucas asked to serve as Chairman, Governing Board of Guyana Investment Corporation (GOInvest) • Prof. Lucas asked to serve as Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission (PUC) • Prof. Lucas, feature address titled “To whom much is given, much is required,” to the Tuskegee University Alumni Association, Guyana Chapter.

• Prof. Lucas, feature address titled “Monkeys play by sizes: Understanding Local Content in the Guyanese Context,” to the African Business Roundtable (ABR) Annual General Meeting.

IV. DEMONSTRATIONS OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS Recognizing the challenges students face in their academic and non-academic interactions, SEBI considers its students as people first and students second. Building on SEBI’s commitment to addressing the needs of its students, an open-door policy was adopted. In addition to our three (3) Academic Advisors, all faculty are expected to offer professional guidance to students to advance their studies and development.

Our three (3) Academic Advisors continue to offer valuable student-centred advice to students at all levels.

This has especially resulted in a smoother transition for first year students. These advisors have the primary role of guiding SEBI students in their course selections.

We consider this to be of vital importance, as it helps U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

to guide their academic development, assist in the enforcement of prerequisites, and provide students with additional resources that are important to their learning experiences.

There are two (2) major impacts of this studentcentred approach. One, SEBI has seen an improvement in students’ performances, especially those who have just entered from secondary school. Two, our advisors continue to serve as an ‘early warning system’ and permit corrective actions to be taken. Through the work of these Academic Advisors, SEBI has been able to help students identify services/options that will help to address non-academic issues that are having an impact on their academic performance. The administrators of SEBI will continue to prioritize issues affecting students and work assiduously to resolve these issues - notwithstanding the huge number of students in the school. From anecdotal evidence, it would appear that our students are very pleased with the assistance given by the Academic Advisors and the efficient way in which the administrators address their issues.

V. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS There have been important collaborations with public and private sector agencies through the Dean’s Office. Despite the challenges of working within the COVID-19 and other restrictions, Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) have been signed with the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). From SEBI’s perspective, these agreements are intended to and designed to provide our students with significant practical experiences, thereby enhancing their skillset and marketability. From the perspective of our partners, it reduces their search costs and places them at a comparative advantage in securing the services of skilled and talented students. Other agencies have indicated a desire to execute similar agreements, but these initiatives have been hampered by the challenges SEBI faced in the second semester.

VI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • To promote and significantly grow enrolment in the BSc in Entrepreneurship and Procurement and BSc in Supply Chain Management programmes, given their importance to national development strategy.

• To Introduce several short courses linked to the areas of Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, and Oil and Gas. It is our intention to offer some of

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these courses in collaboration with other academic divisions.

• To undertake curriculum review of all programs, with particular focus on the diploma programmes.

• To continue strengthening our public and private sector relationships so that the students can gain valuable internship opportunities.

• To recruit and retain more full-time faculty and

reduce our reliance on part-time lecturers.

• To increase the number of full-time faculty with terminal degrees by exploring staff development opportunities.

• To raise SEBI’s research profile through journal publications and contributions to discussions on national development-related issues.

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University of Guyana Library

Mrs. Gwyneth George, University Librarian received an Arrow of Achievement national award in 2019

I. VISION It is envisaged that the human resources, services, and buildings of the Library will be expanded and improved in keeping with the growth of the University and with the expectations of the rapidly advancing technology. Improved services will include automation of all Library systems and services, and online access to other Libraries, both locally and overseas, in order to facilitate sharing of information, and to support teaching and research programmes.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

II. OVERVIEW For the period under review, some of the Library’s projects were stymied as a result of the mandatory lockdown due to COVID-19. However, the Library continued to accelerate some of those projects which did not require physical access to the Library and was able to achieve some of its major goals. Some of the major projects affected during the lockdown were (a) the bar-coding of the Library materials; (b) the verification of the records in the KOHA Information

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Library System (ILS), and (c) the processing of the CCS satellite collection on campus.

III. DONATIONS The Turkeyen Library received the following donations during this period: • Republic Bank Limited monetary donation to the value of GYD $300,000.00 towards the subscription for three (3) business and accounting journals.

• A monetary donation from the Alumni and Friends of the University of Guyana (AFOUG) to the value of GYD $1,799.82 for the purchase of students’ learning materials in the Social Sciences.

• Dr. Keith Cummings’ donation of periodicals and books valued at approximately GYD $4,983,321.00 and other significant donors such as FT Business and World Scientific Publishing.

IV. ELECTRONIC RESOURCES The Library continued to provide access to electronic resources through its subscriptions to databases such as EBSCO, JSTOR, HINARI, and the Lexis Library.

During the lockdown period (safe mode), the Library also continued to search for free digital materials where available to circulate to members of the community. Two such free service offered was called ‘Faculty Select’ and the ‘Forestry Compendium’ which were acquired through the collaboration with EBSCO Information Service and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI).

The Library also commenced planning for the purchase of eBooks to supplement the print copies as there was limited access to these during the Mandatory Lockdown.

V. ONLINE SERVICES (TURKEYEN AND BERBICE CAMPUSES) • The Library’s website was finally migrated from the Joomla Content Management System (CMS) to the Drupal Content Management System (DCMS) to keep in uniformity with other University websites.

• Showcasing the Library’s services and resources through the website and other social media platforms continued.

• The Library continued to test an updated KOHA ILS 17 version so that the current version can be upgraded to provide more services to the Library’s patrons.

During the lockdown (the safe period), the following services were either initiated or continued:

• Processing online clearance for prospective graduates for 2019 through the SRMS. A total of 650 clearances were processed while some were put on hold due to indebtedness to the Library.

• Reference and Citation training continued in the Safe Mode via Zoom, mainly for the use of the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th Edition and the Vancouver Styles. During the lockdown period, five (5) sessions were held for some 592 students.

• Online demonstrations of the use of the Library’s databases continued during the lockdown period: two (2) training sessions were held via Zoom for some 245 students.

• The Virtual Help Desk was established after recognising the need for informational support even during the lockdown period. The Virtual Help Desk was operational from Monday to Friday between 10:00 hrs to 15:00hrs.

• The Library, in collaboration with the Bursary, implemented a payment system for Library fines to be paid through Republic Bank Limited. This allowed graduates and prospective graduates of 2019 who are indebted to the Library to make payments in order to uplift their certificates.

• The Berbice Campus Library customised various learning packages and provided access to these through their social media platforms. Some of these packages included steps to using databases, avoiding plagiarism, and use of Boolean terms, among others. These packages became even more valuable during the lockdown period.

VI. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT A. Turkeyen Library • Purchases of books and journals were made to the value of GYD $ 11,364,828.00.

• Donations processed and added to the collection were valued at GYD $ 4,557,532.00.

B. Berbice Campus Library • Books and periodicals purchased were valued at GYD $ 1,507,879.23.

• Value of gifts processed and added to the collection were valued at GYD $ 515,342.20.

• Both the collections of the Turkeyen Campus and the Berbice Campus Libraries were augmented by donations both locally and overseas, Legal Deposits of items, and research deposited from Earned Study Leave and Sabbatical Leave.

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VII. NEW LIBRARY BUILDING – CDB PROJECT The major highlight for the year was the actual commencement of work for the new library building under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Project.

The University of Guyana received technical assistance to the value of USD $149,985.00 for a new library building and requests for Expression of Interest for the Preparation of Detailed Designs and Cost Estimates were advertised in the Sunday Stabroek Newspapers of July 22 and July 29, 2018.

The contract for this was awarded on March 31, 2020 between the Government of Guyana and the Successful Joint Venture Consultations, BOA in collaboration with C.B. and Associates Inc. After the signing of the contract, the first meeting of the Main Steering Committee was held on February 6, 2020 to chart the way forward. The Inception Report was submitted in June 2020 and work began on the preliminary design for the building - the stage at which the project was by the end of the reporting period. Once this phase is completed, the work will move to the Draft Final Design and the Final Design Report.

VIII. MAINTENANCE OF THE EXISTING LIBRARY BUILDING In terms of maintenance work of the existing Library building, the electrical upgrade was completed, and 17 fire extinguishers were serviced.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

IX. PROMOTING AND PUBLISHING LIBRARY RESOURCES Before the lockdown, publicising of Library resources was done through exhibitions and specialized listings.

The Berbice Campus Library continued to publicise its exhibitions through Facebook and other social media platforms during the lockdown.

X. LONG SERVICE AWARD • Ms. Syndrene Harris, Senior Assistant Librarian, received a long Service Award for 35 Years of Service to the University.

XI. NOTABLE VISITORS TO THE LIBRARY The resources at both the Turkeyen and Berbice Libraries continued to be used by local and overseas visitors.

• Twelve (12) International and eight (8) local visitors were accommodated in the Caribbean Research Library to conduct research while the Berbice Campus received four (4) significant visitors during the period.

XII. MAJOR COLLABORATIONS • Plans to resuscitate the UNICEF Documentation commenced on July 24, 2019 when Senior Administrators of the Library met with a UNICEF Representative to discuss this possibility. Those plans may have been put on hold due to the

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lockdown.

• Under discussion is the collaboration between SciFree and the University of Guyana in developing an Open Source database titled “Where to Publish” which will showcase where there are opportunities to have research work published.

• The Turkeyen Library also collaborated with the Faculty of Education and Humanities to mount an Exhibition for the 38th Annual West Indian Conference Literature and in the case of the Berbice Library, the mounting of an exhibition for the Berbice Exposition and Fair-Trade Expo 2019.

• Dormant for the period was the project to digitise the rare items of the Caribbean Research Library, a collaboration between Florida International University, the University of Texas in Austin, and the University of Guyana Library.

• The annual donation in the form of full funding for the ‘Reading is Fun’ Programme was not released

by Courts (Guyana) Limited, since the Library took the decision not to host the programme due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Berbice Campus Library was in a similar position.

XIII. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACT There are two (2) types of impacts a Library can make – the known and the unknown. The unknown impact has to do with its contribution to better student research papers, quality of graduates, ability of graduates to write, speak and even to attract grants and scholarships, among others. For this period under review, the known impacts and demonstration of students’ centeredness of the Library work had to do with the following: • Access to the Library outside the physical walls: Resources and services, for example, access to more e-resources, and hopefully access to relevant e-books in the future.

• Online training in areas such as research, writing, and citing, among others.

• Virtual Help Desk available at convenient times to deal with queries and request for help.

• Online Orientation for the new core of students which presented a virtual tour of the Library and its work including those services that were redesigned as a result of the mandatory lockdown.

• Online registration (still being built) which will not require access to the physical Library even after the pandemic.

• Online payment of fines and other fess to facilitate clearance for prospective graduates 2019 and those before 2019 so that the graduates can transition

from student to work life unencumbered.

• Online clearance facilitated through SRMS which now reduces the paperwork for students The Library will continue to react to the parent environment to build a virtual Library, a necessity brought to force by the COVID 19 Pandemic. One such project is a Book Drop which is essential even in normal environment.

XIV. CHALLENGES Some of the major challenges faced were related to: • The limited access to the physical Library as a result of the Lockdown due to COVID-19.

• Access to the necessary resources to make the changes required.

• The task of changing the mind-set and attitude of staff to the new paradigm shift.

• The need to retrain and to regroup skills for the needs of the new face of the Library.

• Access to funding in a timely manner.

XV. GRATITUDE The Libraries (Turkeyen and Berbice) express gratitude to its donors, in particular Republic Bank, AFOUG. and the other significant donors, of Library materials.

Special thanks are extended to the Vice-Chancellor and the Senior Management Team who provided necessary resources, such as mobile phones to selected senior personnel, and guidance to the Librarian. Also, sincere thanks to the Bursary, the Personnel Division, Registry and the Maintenance Department staff.

XVI. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS FOR 2021 • Digitising of those books that are in the open domain on a demand basis.

• Building an eBook collection and enhancing and expanding the present e-resources.

• Completing the draft of the final plan for the new Library building and at the minimum, the turning of the sod.

• Sourcing opportunities for librarians to acquire professional skills to rebuild the core of professional Librarians in the UG Library. This will be integral to advancing the development programs of the Library.

• Seeking opportunities to retrain personnel to manage a new state-of-the-art library. There is a plan to implement this in the CDB Project.

• Building a more student centred and student friendly Library and consequently to align the Library with the paradigm shift of its parent

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institution being propelled by the current pandemic. • Developing a major plan to attract funding for the Library either through budgetary or other means.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

These are the minimum achievable goals that it is believed can be realistically achieved and which are actually very essential for the Library at this time.

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University of Guyana Berbice Campus • Head of Department, SEBI: Feroze Khan, MBA, MPA, BSocSc, PGD Ed • Coordinator, Division of Social Sciences: ChelseyHalley Crawford, BSocSc III. MAJOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT • Construction: A concrete fence for John’s Science Centre, UGBC. • Conceptualization of Writing Centres for the Campus: The Division of Education and Humanities has conceived and presented to their faculty at Turkeyen Campus a proposal for Writing Centres onsite and online for both campuses.

• Going Green: The Library staff embarked on putting the course outlines, exam papers, reports, ledger information, etc., in electronic format.

• Elimination of Violence Against Women: Division of Social Sciences annual hosting of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (Orange Day).

• Literacy Support Project: Teachers in Concert for Literacy Development III Director of University of Guyana Berbice Campus, Prof.

Gomathinayagam Subramanian, B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD., AA

I. VISIONS The aims of the University are to provide a place of education, learning, and research of a standard required and expected of a university of the highest standard, and to secure the advancement of knowledge and the diffusion and extension of arts, science, and learning throughout Guyana.

II FACULTY ADMINISTRATORS • Director: Prof. Gomathinayagam Subramanian, AA, PhD, MSc, BSc • Assistant Director: Philip Da Silva, MEd, MSc, BSc, PGD. Cert. Capacity Building for Financial Sustainability of Higher Education Institution • Coordinator, Division of Agriculture Science: Shinella Benjamin, MSc, BSc • Coordinator, Division of Education and Humanities: Yassanne Garraway, MEd, BEd • Coordinator, Division of Natural Sciences: Bibi Ali, MSc, BSc

IV. NOTABLE VISITORS • November 14, 2019: Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Indian High Commissioner • November 22, 2019: Mr. Mohindra Persaud and Associates, Nand Persaud & Co. Ltd. • November 15, 2019: Anton de Kom University located in Suriname visited UGBC • November 27, 2019: Students from Anton de Kom University (Suriname) visited the Library • December 19, 2019: Ms. Violeta Talandis, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy Personnel • January 28, 2020: The University Librarian together with senior staff Ms. Carol Parris and Mr. Yashwant Ramroop visited the Berbice Campus Library to implement changes related to the operations of the Library.

• February 13, 2020: Dolphin Secondary School visited the Library and was given a brief tour of the facility.

• February 27, 2020: St. Stevens Primary School and Friends Primary School visited the Library and was given a brief tour of the facility.

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V. SUMMARY - DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Major Staff Achievements • Prof.

Gomathinayagam Subramanian: “Lifetime Achievement Award” by The Power of Collaboration, Global Visionary Publishing, Canada, 2020.

• Prof.

Gomathinayagam Subramanian: “Outstanding Extension Scientist Award in Agricultural Sciences” for the year 2019 by PEARL Foundation for Educational Excellence, Bangalore, India, 2020.

• Philip Da Silva: National Award: Golden Arrow of Achievement • Phillip Da Silva was promoted to Reader B. Public and Professional Service Prof. Gomathinayagam Subramanian • Member on the Board of Directors, Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory, Nand Persaud Group of Companies Inc., Berbice, Guyana, 2020.

• Adjunct Faculty Fellow to the Department of Botany, Alagappa University Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu for a period of one year (2019 to 2020).

Guest Lectures/Keynote address • Guest Lecturer on “Plant Diseases Past, Present and Control Measures” in International Webinar Meeting in September 10, 2020, organized by Department of Botany, Vivekananda College, Thiruvedgam West, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Special Lecture on “Contributions of Indian Academicians Abroad to the Education Sector” on September 05, 2020, Teacher’s Day Celebration, organized by High Commission of India, Georgetown, Guyana, South America.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• Keynote address on “Organic Farming Systems: Past, Present, and Future”, in International Virtual Conference on Recent Trends and Innovations in Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, (IVCRTISESS 2020), held on September 4-6, 2020, organized by V. H. N. Senthilkumar Nadar College (Autonomous), Virudhunagar jointly with PEARL foundation- A foundation for Education Excellence, Bengaluru, India.

• Prof. Gomathinayagam Subramanian: Guest Lecturer on “Methods of Soil Sample Collection” for Region 6 Farmers’ held on September 2, 2020.

Organized by Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory, Nand Persaud Group of Companies Inc., Berbice, Guyana, South America.

Supervising Master Degree students • Ms. Roshini Singh, project title is “An evaluation of the effectiveness of coconut biochar as a soil amendment and its effect on the growth performance of sweet peppers (Capsium annuum L.) in Joanna, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana.

• Ms. Susmitha Singh, project title is “A comparative study on the effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer on the production and economics of eggplant (Solanum melongena)”.

• Ms. Shabana Hashim “The Diversity of Endophytic Fungi Colonizing the Leaves and Stems of Two Mangrove Species and an Associate Species in Guyana”.

External and foreign examiner the following Doctorate thesis (PhD) • The Doctorate thesis entitled “Molecular Studies on the Expression of Heat Shock Proteins, Signaling

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Molecules and Hormonal status in male green ell development in Type I Diabetes”. Candidate name: Mr. M. Kathivel, Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

• The Doctorate thesis entitled “Documentation of medicinal and edible fruit yielding plants in the sholas of Nilgiris, the Western Ghats, India and evaluation of two focus species for their medicinal properties and conservational strategies”. Candidate’s name: G. Divya Bharathi, Department of Botany, Nirmala College for Women (autonomous) accredited with ‘A’ grade by NAAC in 3rd cycle with CGPA 3.62 Tamil Nadu, India.

Shinella Benjamin, Lecturer II • Member of Guyana Agriculture Extension Provider Network (GuyNet).

• Co-founder of Benjamin’s Adult and Domiciliary Inhome Care Hub (2019-2020).

• Advisor and mentor for Stanleytown Savannah Park Development Association (September 1, 2018 – August 2020).

• Member of the Planning Committee for the 18th Convocation for the Presentation of Granduands on November 23, 2020 with responsibility for stage decorations.

Ms. Carmen Ann Bacchus, Lecturer I • Local Visiting CXC Moderator for Agricultural Science Guyana (2003 to date) Zenesia Asiyih Phillips, Lecturer II • Conducted Summer Literacy/Reading Classes (School of the Nations) (2019) • Member of the Planning Committee for the 18th Convocation for the Presentation of Granduands on November 23, 2020.

Pamela Rose, Lecturer II • Member of UGEE, Specialist in English Language; Grades 1-6, Curriculum Reviewer with Ministry of Education.

• Grades 7-9, Secondary Curriculum Writer with Guyana Improving Education Sector Project.

Prof. Daizal Samad • Collaborated on Re-imagined and Re-Designed Traditional Classroom: The Pandemic-Ready Teaching and Learning Station in consultation with Dr. Anthony Fauci (Head of the National Institutes of Health, USA); Mr. Bill Gates (Bill and Melinda

Foundation); Bill Clinton Foundation; The Obama Foundation; Dr. Frank Anthony (Minister of Health, Guyana); and others.

Aarif Baksh, Instructor • Offer free CSEC and CAPE classes (Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics) during the pandemic.

Vishal Mahabir, Lecturer I • Annual volunteer with the Berbice Cricket Board to organise and coordinate events.

Michael Hackett, Lecturer I • Rainfall observer for the Hydro Meteorological Department, Ministry of Agriculture, with responsibility for the daily collection of rainfall data at John’s Village.

• Provided rainfall data and drainage calculation to students and lecturer of Agriculture and Forestry at John’s Campus.

• Assisted in the Physics programme at the Cyril Potter College of Education, John’s Centre.

Phillip Da Silva, A.A., Reader • Chairperson of National Scientific Committee Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission Technical Services: technical advice, evaluation of scientific proposals regarding captive breeding of selected species and served as Chairperson for meetings of the Scientific Committee.

• Member of Management Board, Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission Technical Services: technical advice; served as Chairperson for meetings and represented the Commission at meetings locally and internationally.

• Facilitator of workshops and training sessions Ministry of Education: technical services for Professional Development of Teachers of CSEC Biology and Integrated Science; technical services for Professional Development of Teachers of CAPE Environmental Science.

• Caribbean Examination Council Moderator for CXC-CAPE Environmental Science Examination: reviewed examination papers and moderation of examination papers for the CAPE Environmental Science Examination in accordance with the approved examination syllabus.

• Resource person and facilitator for training of teachers in Region 6 for the regional science fair organised by the Ministry of Education. Region 6.

• Chief Judge for the National Science, Technology,

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Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Fair (Ministry of Education).

Paulette Henry, Senior Lecturer • Chair, Guyana Lands and Survey Commission • Chair, of the Regulations Committee • Senior Academic Representative on Appointment Committee • Alternative Chair, Disciplinary Committee • Speaker at Caribbean Sociological Association on COVID 19: Social Impact, Recovery and Resilience in the Caribbean • Sexual Harassment in the workplace/Conference for High Court September 2019 Chelsey-Halley Crawford, Lecturer I • Facilitated visit from Anton De Kom University in Suriname.

Simmone La Rose, Librarian II • Member of the Guyana Library Association (GLA)

• Presentation to UG Library on a Management Training course done in China (December 2019) • Introduced the guest speaker for the Book Drive Handing-Over Ceremony hosted by the EEN 4102 class (Division of Education and Humanities) January 7, 2020 Nalisa Bhagwandin, Librarian I • Member of the Guyana Library Association (GLA) Somattie Sayrange, Librarian • Member of the following organisations: (a) University of Guyana Alumni Association Berbice Chapter, (b) Development Association of Fort Ordinance (DAFO), (c) Guyana Library Association (GLA), and (d) New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) Library February 12, 2020.

• Chaired the “Unconventional Conversations” a Professorial Lecture by Professor M. Scott, Characterizing the Republic: Ideological Contentions and Concern, LRTVS hotel.

Student Prizes Awarded at 2018 Convocation Exercise

VI. STUDENT PRIZES AWARDED AT 2018 CONVOCATION EXERCISE Eighteenth (18th) Convocation Exercise held at Berbice Campus.

A. Division of Agriculture Science • Best Graduating Agriculture Science Student: Daniel Jacobs B. Division of Natural Sciences U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• Best Graduating Student who has completed a Bachelor’s Degree with the Highest GPA – Department of Biology: Ms Jaunita Benjaimal.

• Best Graduating Student who has completed a Diploma Certificate/Associate Degree with the Highest GPA – Department of Chemistry: Mr Eion John Jotis • Best Graduating Student in the Bachelor of Science Biology: Ms Roshine Singh

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• Best Graduating Student in the Associate Science Biology: Ms Anisha Anola Andrews.

• Best Graduating Student in the Associate Science Chemistry: Mr Chotramnauth Prabhu • Best Graduating Student in the Associate Science Computer Science: Mr Vejendra Datt • Best Graduating Student in the Associate Science Physics: Mr Lavesh Krishna Mohabir

of of of of

C. SEBI • Best Graduating Student for B Soc Sc Business Management: Kittesh Seeram • Best Graduating Student for Dipl. in Accountancy: Tajmily Persaud • Best Graduating Student for Dipl. in Marketing: Trishanna Edwards VII. MAJOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES • Teachers in Concert for Literacy Development III hosted by the EEN 4102 class of 2019 (book drive, drawing, and handing-over ceremony), December 2019 to January 2020.

• Abstracts of twoYonnel O’Brian and Anastacia Long from the division were accepted for presentation at NCUR 2019; due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the conference was cancelled.

• Six (6) undergraduate research projects were completed by the final-year students.

• Twenty-three (23) undergraduate research projects were completed by the final-year students.

• Students Annual hosting of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (Orange Day) activities.

VIII. OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS A. Conference Presentations • Zenesia Asiyih Phillips, Lecturer II, from Division of Agriculture Science presented at (1) Research Conference 2019, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Mon Repos, Guyana and (2) Virtual conference – Nutrition research conference, Magnus group Conferences July 13-14, 2020.

• Vishal Mahabir, Lecturer 1, from the Division of Natural Sciences was invited to present research on “Preparation and Characterization of Acetylated Cellulose Bioplastics from Bagasse, Rice Hulls and Coconut Husk” at the Innoplast Solutions 28th Conference, 10th on Re-Invention of Plastics in May 2020. Conference postponed to June 2021.

B. Publications • Pamela Rose, Lecturer II. Integrating high impact practices in a language education course. Accepted for publication.

• Daizal Samad, published a novel, The Mirror tells its Tale, and completed a manuscript for publication on Homelessness in West Indian Literature.

C. Staff Development • Shafeak Ghanie from the Division of Natural Sciences has satisfied all the requirements for the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Guyana.

• Srikishen from the Division of Natural Sciences completed his master’s degree this academic year.

IX. GENERAL CONCLUSION This academic year, we expanded to include the BSc in Nursing programme, and it is our hope that we can grow and add more programmes and, in some cases, more courses that target other population besides the mainstream. This action we hope to accomplish through a needs analysis of our environment and through strategic partnership with organisations.

Within the area of development, a proposal for Writing Centres - both onsite and online for both campuses was presented, and it is our hope that the Faculty of Education and Humanities will move quickly to have the proposal implemented so that, at a university level, we can deal with the high stake issues of students’ writing competency. In as much as the staff have performed creditably in almost all areas of importance, we would like to enhance the campus’ brand value with professional development at the heart of our strategy.

To this end, we would like more staff to benefit from opportunities for PhD and Master degrees. We, at the Berbice Campus, are fully committed to further improving our professional development and practice to contribute significantly to the brand of the University of Guyana.

X. Projections for 2021-2025 • Expansion of student intake.

• Expansion of staff development.

• Expansion of agriculture and aquaculture research and taught programmes consonant with GOG goals.

• Introduction of Marine Curriculum.

• Expansion of offerings in support services relative to petroleum industry.

• Expansion of physical infrastructure to effect 1-5 above.

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Institutes of The University of Guyana The University of Guyana has 11 institutes which are dedicated to specialized knowledge generation, problem solving, outreach, innovation, and specialized policy and other services. These are the: • Institute for Food and Nutrition Security (IFANS) • Green Institute (UGGI) • Confucius Institute • Institute for Energy Diplomacy • Language Institute • Institute for Gender Studies (IGS) • Institute for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIREE)

• Graduate School for Research • Institute for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (ISITD) • Institute for Development Studies (IDS).

• The Centre for the Study of Bio Diversity (CSBD) • Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Coetal) • institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) Some of these institutes are fully operational and others are in the early stages of development.

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Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS • Director: Dr. Jacqueline Murray, BSoc Sc, MSc, MEd, DBA • Deputy Director (ag): Ms. Christina Bynoe, BSc, MBA III. MAJOR INSTITUTE DEVELOPMENTS A. Re-establishment of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) Brand and Physical Presence in Bartica

(L-R, front row) Coordinator, IDCE Bartica; Deputy Director (ag), IDCE; Director, IDCE; Mayor of Bartica.

(Standing) Staff and students enrolled on the Academic Upgrading Mathematics and the Supervisory Management courses.

Director, Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, Dr. Jacqueline Murray

I. VISION To be the best provider of distance and continuing education, using modern technology, to take individuals and groups from where they are to where they want to go, while being mindful to provide training, which supports community, workplace, and national agendas.

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The IDCE re-established a physical presence in Bartica, Guyana in February 2020. The re-establishing of the IDCE Brand in Bartica was made possible through interactions with members of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana (IPADA-G), the Bartica Municipality, the Ministry of Education, and the Regional Democratic Council and resulted in the signing of a tripartite agreement of support for the IDCE during the first year of its operations. Classes commenced in February 2020, at the Bartica Learning Resource Centre, in Supervisory Management and Academic Upgrading Mathematics.

Other programmes and courses will begin once the required critical mass, in class size, is achieved.

B. New Programme Offering: Fully Online BSc Computing, Information Technology, and Business. The Institute now has on its books a

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University approved fully online Degree in Computing, Information Technology, and Business which is expected to see the IDCE receiving applications from persons who had the desire to pursue an information technology and business programme but could not do so owing to their geographical location. The degree, which makes use of Open Education Resources from the Commonwealth of Learning and University of Guyana faculty resources and input, is intended to produce a graduate with the broad-based skills required by employers or enable the graduate to become selfemployed. The institute is deeply appreciative of the role that the coordinator of the degree, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and other members of the University community, played in the development, refining, scrutinizing for quality, and approval of the degree.

C. IDCE and the COVID-19 Pandemic Like the Intra-mural University, and many other educational institutions worldwide, the COVID-19 Pandemic forced the IDCE to transition its offerings to the online environment to ensure students’ and staff members’ safety and the continuity of its business operations. While Moodle was identified as the recognised platform for teaching and learning online, in the initial stage, the staff of the IDCE employed several other means to keep students and stakeholders engaged. These include Edmodo, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Getting students and staff online was a herculean task since IDCE was a paperbased system and students and staff had to be manually added by the software department’s two-man team.

The staff and students of IDCE are immensely thankful for the unstinting support provided to them.

D. Integration of IDCE in the SRMS The pandemic accentuated the need for IDCE to have its programmes and courses integrated in the SRMS to make it possible for interested persons to apply online. Currently, plans are taking place to ensure that this happens. In the interregnum, IDCE has created temporary application forms using Google Forms to allow prospective students to apply online for programmes and courses of their interests pending integration in the SRMS when it is launched. IDCE regards the integration of its programmes and courses in the SRMS as ground-breaking since it will allow the institution to deliver on its mandate, support government agenda in bridging the education gap for persons in the outlying regions, and bring one step closer to achievement - the aspiration goals outlined in the University’s BluePrint 2040 of one graduate

per household. IDCE is capitalizing on this extremely critical period to push the growth of its online presence.

Persons across Guyana can access programmes and courses offered online regardless of their geographical location. Notably, persons are now free to choose any course or programme conducted by any of the Centres.

This holistic approach will undoubtedly see a rise in the registration statistics of the IDCE within the new academic year.

E. Attendance at Workshops and Conferences • Dr. Jacqueline Murray (Director), Ms. Christina Bynoe (Deputy Director ag), Mr. Julian Bynoe (Administrative Office ag), Mr. George Headley (Instructional Design Specialist), and Mr. Jermain Peroune (Lecturer) all attended an Inaugural Teaching Conference, which was held on October 3-4, 2019.

• Dr. Jacqueline Murray, who attended the CANQATE Conference in Grenada from October 22–24, 2019, was elected to serve as a board member for two years by delegates of the conference. Dr. Murray is also a board member of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Guyana and serves as the Programme Officer. She is also a board member of the Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning of the University.

F. Rehabilitation Works • Two rooms at the Queens College compound in the teaching block were refurbished making them habitable for use by the Director and Deputy Director.

• The buildings of IDCE were rewired and repairs were made to the roof of the student block.

IV. NOTABLE VISITORS Orientation exercises were conducted at all the IDCE branches. A notable visitor to the orientation held at Georgetown was the Chair of the Transitional Management Committee, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, who is now the Vice-Chancellor of the University. A representative from the Library also attended all the orientation exercises to inform students about the resources offered by the library and how they could access them.

V. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT • IDCE staff and students at the Linden, Guyana branch participated in a ‘Cancer Walk’ on Sunday, October 27, 2019. They were awarded with a Certificate of Attendance.

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HE IDCE BRAND AND OFFERINGS oath of a Self-Reliance Job Exposition on November 16, 2019, heldthe

by The Guyana Association of The Church Georgetown were able to promote continuing education, of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, Guyana. opment opportunities offered by the institution’s oath of a Se On November 29, 2019, two staff members travelled to Bartica Association to attend IPADA-G’s Welfare Business ember 16, 2019, held by The Guyana of and The Church Conference. This trip was another opportunity to promote the IDCE brand and its offerings. This gave rise s, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, Guyana. to the collaborative effort mentioned earlier which saw the re-establishment of the IDCE presence in Bartica.

• In response to a surge in school violence, the Introduction to Social Work I class at Linden and their lecturer collaborated with the Mackenzie Police Station to host talks on drugs and abuse with the male students in the secondary and postsecondary institutions in the community. The pictures below show the tutor, Ms. Coleen Farrell, interacting with the Linden Technical Institute’s young men.

2019, two staff members travelled to Bartica to attend IPADA-G ce. This trip was another opportunity to promote the IDCE ve rise to the collaborative effort mentioned earlier which he IDCE presence in Bartica.

VI. PROMOTING THE IDCE BRAND AND OFFERINGS The staff of IDCE, Georgetown were able to promote the continuing education, personal, and professional development opportunities offered by the institution’s

Students from the Introduction to Social Work I class at Linden distributed two hampers to community members on December 23, 2019.

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VII. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION • The Anna Regina Centre procured sponsorship for 45 students through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in the sum of GYD $1,686,000.

• Dr. Jacqueline Murray and Ms. Christina Bynoe were guests on the ‘UG and You’ Programme on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 104.1 Lite FM Radio Station. There they were able to promote the new programmes and IDCE. VIII. PRACTICAL ATTACHMENTS The Early Childhood Development Programme - Year One Students at the Georgetown branch participated in

Clinical Observation for Child Care Practicum course in October and November 2019 at the Industrial Site DayCare. There was also in-class supervision of students at their place of work from November to December 2019.

Students who were not employed were attached to day-cares for the period.

Similarly, 19 students from the Care for the Elderly Class at the Berbice branch visited the Good Samaritan Home as part of their course requirement. The students provided toiletries, lunch and dinner and geriatric care for all the occupants. Below are a few pictures of the participants and recipients of the care activity.

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IX. IDCE REGISTRATION STATISTICS The Institute of Distance and Continuing Education enrolled 857 students across all its centres.

The tableREGISTRATION below illustrates a breakdown in relation to gender at each geographical location.

IX. IDCE STATISTICS TheIDCE Institute of Distance and Continuing Education enrolled 857 students across all its centres.

IX. REGISTRATION STATISTICS Number of857 Students The of of Distance and Continuing Education enrolledto students all its centres. The table below TheInstitute table below illustrates a breakdown in relation gender at across each geographical location.

Name Centre Total Males Females illustrates a breakdown in relation to gender at each geographical location.

Georgetown 73 395 468 Number of Students 16 Bartica 3 19 Name of Centre Total Males Females Berbice 19 104 123 Georgetown 73 395 468 Linden 30 137 167 Bartica 3 16 19 Anna Regina 1 79 80 Berbice 19 104 123 Total 857 Linden 30 137 167 Anna Regina 1 79 80 X. GRADUATION Total 857

The IDCE held graduation exercises across all its four (4) locations where a total of 494 students X. GRADUATION The IDCE heldThe graduation exercises across all itsthe fourtotal (4) locations a total ofwho 494 students graduated. graduated. table below summarizes numberwhere of students graduated across The all X. GRADUATION table below summarizes the total number of students who graduated across all the centres. the centres.

The IDCE held graduation exercises across all its four (4) locations where a total of 494 students No. Name of Centre the total number of students No.who of Graduates graduated.

The table below summarizes graduated across all 1 Georgetown 339 the centres.

2 Linden 68 No. Name of Centre No. of Graduates 3 Berbice 48 14 Georgetown 339 Anna Regina 39 2 Linden 68 Total 494 3 Berbice 48 In addition, IDCE also celebrated the successful completion of online degrees by 22 students who graduated 4 Anna Regina 39 at Turkeyen Convocation Ceremony with their Bachelor in Criminology and Psychology, Computing and In the addition, IDCE also celebrated Total the successful completion of online degrees 494by 22 students who Information Technology, Environmental Management and Technology.

graduated at the Turkeyen Convocation Ceremony with their Bachelor in Criminology and Psychology, Computing Information Technology, Management and Below are a few pictures the and graduation exercises held at each centre.

In addition, IDCE also of celebrated the successful completion ofEnvironmental online degrees by 22 students who Technology. graduated at the Turkeyen Convocation Ceremony with their Bachelor in Criminology and GEORGETOWN Psychology, Computing and Information Technology, Environmental Management and Below are a few pictures of the graduation exercises held at each centre.

Technology.

Below are a few pictures of the graduation exercises held at each centre.

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LINDEN

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NEW AMSTERDAAM

ANNA REGINA

IDCE Berbice and Mabruma (for completion in 2021) 115

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XI. EXXON MOBIL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Exxon Mobil awarded a total of 140 scholarships to students for the period under review. These scholarship awards were announced at the respective graduation exercises of each centre. Fifty-five (55) graduates were recipients of the scholarship at the Georgetown Centre, forty (40) graduates benefitted at Linden, twenty-six (26) at New Amsterdam, and nineteen (19) at the Anna Regina Centre.

XII. CONCLUSION The highlights of the 2019-2020 academic year at IDCE are the re-establishment of the centre at Bartica and the institute’s ability to use the COVID-19 Pandemic as a catalyst to foster developments in the online environment. Distance learning that forms part of

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IDCE’s identity came to the forefront in the latter part of this academic period. The standard, faceto-face classroom has transitioned to home spaces countrywide. While it is entirely new for some, the training we have embarked on will undoubtedly erase all forms of unfamiliarity. Also, our physical presence at Bartica is proof that the IDCE continues to make known its brand and extend its services to outlying areas thereby bridging the gaps in equality of access to continuing education, personal and professional development opportunities. In the end, the 2020-2021 academic year is one that the IDCE saw embracing the challenges on multiple fronts in its environment and rise to continue to build and increase its visibility, through distance education in these very uncertain times.

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UG Green Institute (UGGI) A number of Faculty Associates were also added to the UGGI. Ms. Sharmin Sookdeo was appointed to function as UGGI Administrative Officer. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, was added to the list of Advisory Board members after her appointment.

An Inaugural Advisory Board Roundtable was organized on November 27-29, 2019. The topics included planning for the 2020 Green Economy Workshop and Political Cooperation in Guyana. A session was also held on the UGGI Strategic Plan.

During this period, the UGGI did not have any dedicated office space, though it was assigned space within the area that was once occupied by the Institute of Development Studies. Construction was started in this building and the Director was asked to move back to the FSS (after originally having had to give up his office to facilitate electrical works on the FSS building). Some amount of time was unfortunately, but understandably, used up by these disruptions.

Director, UG Green Institute, Dr. Thomas Singh

I. OVERVIEW Dr. Anna Perreira was appointed Coordinator of the UGGI in October 2019. In the very month, invitations were sent out to a number of people to sit on the Advisory Board of the UGGI. During November 2019, the following persons were named Advisory Board Members: • Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice-Chancellor (from June 2020) • Emeritus Prof. Jay Mandle (Colgate University) • Prof. Jose Labo (Arizona State University) • Emeritus Prof. Ralph Premdas (UWI) • Mr. Raj Persaud (Nand Persaud) • Dr. Janette Bulkhan (University of British Columbia) • Dr. Troy Thomas (Dean, FSS, UG) • Dr. Roger Hosein (UWI, St. Augustine) • Prof. Edward Greene • Dr. Terrence Blackman (CUNY) • Mr Hector Edwards (Dean, FSS – ex officio) • Professor Michael Scott (DVC-AE - ex officio, replaced by Dr Emanuel Cummings when Scott retired as DVC)

Starting in December 2019, the UGGI began to look ahead to the beginning of oil production in early 2020.

Subsequently, it arranged several informal meetings with a variety of persons to discuss the importance of cooperation in Guyana in view of the major oil discovery and the new “oil producer status” that Guyana had achieved in January 2020. It was recognized that elections that were to be held on March 2, 2020, would have been “difficult,” given that the country had begun to earn oil rents.

In view of this, the UGGI prepared a plan of activities around a 2019 discussion paper called “Extend and Reform: A Proposal for Statesmanship to Reform the Constitution of Guyana.” This included the first UGGI Symposium on political and social cooperation that was organized in February 2020.

II. SYMPOSIUM, FEBRUARY 2020 The first UGGI Symposium was held on February 19-20, 2020, under the theme “Social & Political Cooperation: What Will it Take to Accelerate Guyana’s Green Economy?” Symposium details are given below:

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B. An Upstream Carbon Tax (at the Wellhead) on Oil Companies in Guyana – Moderated by Thomas B. Singh The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Government of Guyana and the companies operating in the Stabroek Block contains what appears to be a loophole that will allow A. Direct Cash Transfers from Oil Revenues – the PSA, and he explained why it will achieve the the publicbyauthorities, Act, result No. 11asofa 1996 (Part same efficiency carbon tax II, in Section countries Moderated Jay Mandle under the Environmental Protection buybarrel Guyana’s crude oil. Theby Carbon Tax is itself This proposal, which as an argument for a inthat 4(a)), to levy a taxoriginated on the carbon sequestered each of oil extracted the operator. universal basic income for the poor, has recently been contemplated under the Paris Agreement and has also Thomas explained why such a tax is in fact allowed under the PSA, and he explained why it will extended to all households, and has been justified been publicly endorsed by ExxonMobil and other oil the same efficiency resultpoor as aknow carbon in countries that buy Guyana’s crude oil. The onachieve many grounds, ranging from “the and taxcompanies. understand their circumstances betterunder than the anyone Carbon Tax is itself contemplated Paris Agreement and has also been publicly endorsed else, and will therefore spend more wisely and C. Behavioural/Experimental Economics Insights

by ExxonMobil and other oil companies. effectively than the government or any other agency” on Cooperation and Social Learning – Edward to “giving money directly to the poor reduces what is Cartwright recent results on cooperation social available to government to dissipate in useless Insights if not Reviewed C. Behavioural/Experimental Economics on Cooperation and Social Learning – and Edward corrupt activities.” In moderating this discussion, Jay learning coming out of the work on behavioural and Cartwright began by sharing his take on the proposal that direct experimental economics.

Reviewed cooperation and social learning coming out of the work on cash transfersrecent might results help to on promote cooperation III. GENERAL AND REGIONAL ELECTIONS AND across ethnic blocs in the country. behavioural and experimental economics.

COVID-19 INTERRUPTIONS B. An Upstream Carbon Tax (at the Wellhead) on Oil Soon after this Symposium, the University of Guyana III. GENERAL AND REGIONAL ELECTIONS AND INTERRUPTIONS was closed because of the March 2, 2020 Elections, Companies in Guyana – Moderated

by Thomas B.COVID-19 which proved, as predicted thethe UGGI, to be2, ‘difficult.’

Singh Soon after this Symposium, the University of Guyana was closed becausebyof March 2020 The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Close on the heels of the elections, which turned out Elections, which proved, as predicted by the UGGI, to be ‘difficult.’ Close on the heels of the Government of Guyana and the companies operating to be the most protracted in Guyana’s history as the which turned outwhat to beappears the most protracted in Guyana’s ason theAugust final result was was onlyhistory declared 2, 2020, the inelections, the Stabroek Block contains to be a final result occurred and was later declared was declared loophole that will on allow the public authorities, under COVID-19 only declared August 2, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreakoutbreak occurred and later a the Environmental Protection Act, No. 11 of 1996 (Part a pandemic by the WHO. During this time, the UGGI pandemic by the WHO. During this time, the UGGI decided that it would launch a series of II, Section 4(a)), to levy a tax on the carbon sequestered decided that it would launch a series of webinars and other activities. areThomas detailed other below. activities. These are detailed below. inwebinars each barreland of oil extracted by theThese operator. explained why such a tax is in fact allowed under A.A. Webinars Webinars No 1 2 3 4 5

Title of Webinar The Resource Curse & democracy: Lessons for Guyana Follow-Up -The Resource Curse & democracy: Lessons for Guyana The Evolution of Democracy and Governance in Guyana and Suriname Building Trust in a Time of Climate Change Challenges of Oil Development and Wealth Management

Panelists* Prof. Michael Ross (UCLA)

Date* June 2, 2020

Dr(s) Desmond Thomas, Pauline Bullen, Rishee Thakur, Timothy Laing Prof. Jack Menke

June 23, 2020 July 24, 2020

Prof. Jay Mandle Todd Moss (Energy for Growth Hub) Francisco Monaldi (Baker Institute)

Aug 7, 2020 October 12, 2020

B. Collaborations/Projects been given for the UGGI to proceed with this.

B. Collaborations/Projects • STEM capacity development for Regions 2 and 10 (collaboration with Pueblo Science and C. Website Development/Academic Programme  STEM capacity development forCAS Regions 2 and 10 (collaboration with Pueblo Science Guyana): We are awaiting word from the DVC- UGGI has secured the volunteer services of a and CAS Guyana): We are awaiting word from the DVC-AE about an Academic AE about an Academic Cooperation Agreement Canadian professional web developer and a third between the UGGI and Pueblo Sciences. A final year UG Computer Science student to assist with the draft was submitted to the DVC-AE some while development of our website. UGGI has also begun 169 ago. an internal discussion on the idea of offering a (post• Survey to assess the knowledge and perceptions of graduate) diploma that will include seminars on topics Guyanese towards China and Chinese (Consultancy such as economic diversification and constitutional with the Chinese Embassy): Final approval has now reform.

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IV. CONCLUSION While the COVID-19 Pandemic and the fraught elections have been a serious interruption, the UGGI was able to continue the work that it started in Semester I, 2019-2020. It has been one of the most effective University entities despite having only a Director and a Coordinator, because of its networking ability, the support of the Advisory Board, the Faculty

of Social Sciences, and the University of Guyana.

It is worth mentioning that the cost of running the UGGI has, for the reporting period, only been for allowances paid to the Director and the Coordinator. It was however hoped, that in the coming academic year, other persons might be appointed to strengthen the Institute.

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University of Guyana Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE) the gap between knowledge generation and utilization through strategic partnerships thereby facilitating start-ups and product improvement. Ultimately, it intends to facilitate the utilization of Guyana’s vast natural resources to generate new products and services thereby stimulating the Guyanese economy.

III. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED AND OTHER MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS • Institute plans and programmes approved by council on September 14, 2020. This is a major milestone since it was first proposed in 2008.

• Student Entrepreneurial Enterprise launched on November 11,2020.

• Research and innovation GAP facilities launched November 30,2020.

IV. DEMONSTRATION OF STUDENT CENTEREDNESS AND IMPACTS All UG students are eligible to join and participate in the Student Entrepreneurial Enterprise.

Director, Guyana Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Pat Francis

I. VISION Transforming Guyana’s economy through the dissemination of research findings and innovations in sciences, arts, and humanities to industry.

II. MISSION The Guyana Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE) is a technology transfer facility (TTO) which provides a platform for researchers and innovators within the University of Guyana and allied institutions/individual researchers to share new products and services with industry. It intends to bridge

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Student Entrepreneurial Enterprise will: • Facilitate commercialisation of ideas emanating from primarily University students which are based on their original research work or ideas. Priority shall be given to technologically based projects which have market utility. Cross faculty/discipline businesses will be encouraged (e.g., linking technology and management).

• Provide opportunities for pitching ideas, business training, and incubation.

• Provide access to seed money for projects.

• Facilitate access to many other resources (local and at other institutions where UG has many MOUs).

V. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS • TIC University of Technology Jamaica • University of Tennessee Knoxville USA • Small Business Bureau Guyana • Other Tertiary Institutions and Consultants • Girls in Charge NGO UK

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Other Tertiary Institutions and Consultants Girls in Charge NGO UK

VI. AND PLANS VI.PROJECTIONS Projections and Plans Schedule December 2020 Jan 2021 Jan 2021

Item Pilot Gap resources project initiated Establishment of assessment committee Student Entrepreneurial Enterprise workshop

June 2021

Student workshop

March 2021

Research and Innovation week Virtual platform continuous

May – August 2021 March 2021 June 2021

2nd Gap resources project initiated Staff UGIRIE Land application (innovation centre) Building and facilities design Complete manual of policies, agreements and protocols

July 2021

Entrepreneurial

Enterprise

Expansion of Item Projects reviewed and funds disbursed Three-person committee Orientation to business based on field of study at UG with special focus on technological platforms 2nd engagement

Virtual platforms Linking research and innovation to industry

Selection of Architect and complete drawings and estimates

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VISION he Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) is the hub that supports excellenc n teaching to enhance the experiences of students.

Centre of Excellence for Teaching . DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS and Learning (CoETaL) oETaL is managed by a Director, Dr Paulette Henry, with the support of Ms Anika Samuels (BS

dministrative Assistant.

I. VISION The Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) is the hub that supports excellence in teaching to enhance the experiences of students.

I. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS II. DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHICS CoETaL is managed by a Director, Dr Paulette . Dr Paulette Henry (EdD) Henry, with the support of Ms Anika Samuels (BSc)  Completed her doctoral studies at Administrative the UWI-Open Assistant.Campus in Higher Educatio Leadership.

III. MAJOR STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS  Awarded a certificate of completion A.for course: Designing and Developing Onlin Dr Paulette Henry (EdD) • Completed her doctoral studies at the UWI-Open Assessment, November 2020.

Campus in Higher Education Leadership. a certificate of completion for course:  Awarded a certificate of completion • forAwarded course: Designing and Developing Onlin Designing and Developing Online Assessment, Courses, November 2020.

November 2020.

• Awarded a certificate of completion for course: Designing and Developing Online Courses, November 2020.

. Anika Samuels (BSc in Social Work) B. Anika Samuels (BSc in Social Work)  Action Coach Business Coaching Seminar in July 2020.

Director, Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Paulette Henry

• Action Coach Business Coaching Seminar in July 2020.

V. Workshops and Other Training Offered and Numbers Completed

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Type of Activity Synchronous Sessions Orientation Workshops for New Lecturers Type of Activity Synchronous Sessions Assessment session for FSS Asynchronous Sessions Human Relations Course Designing and Developing online teaching (UG1002)

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Number of Participants

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151 Number of Participants

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30

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498 352

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V. MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT VI. IMPORTANT COLLABORATIONS • Designed and developed the Policy and Training • Letter of Agreement signed with the for New Lecturers (approved by Academic Commonwealth of Learning and currently offering MATERIALManual DEVELOPMENT Board, September 18, 2020). the DDOT via UG’s Moodle platform.

Led the design anddeveloped development of thePolicy Academicand • Training Collaborated and co-facilitated session hosted by(approve  • Designed and the Manual for New Lecturers Advisement Manual (approved by Academic CARICOM on designing and developing authentic byBoard, Academic Board, September 18, 2020).September 18, 2020). assessment for early childhood, primary, and secondary educators in the Caribbean.



Led the design and development of the Academic Advisement Manual (approved b U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 122 Academic Board, September 18, 2020).

• Fostered research collaboration with NottinghamTrent University. Fifteen lecturers from the University community are participating.

• Panellist for the Caribbean Sociological Association (CASA) Virtual Public Forum Title: COVID-19: Social Impact, Recovery and Resilience in the Caribbean.

VII. PROJECTIONS AND PLANS • Continue to train new and continuing lecturers in face-to-face and blended online pedagogy.

• Support the review and revision of teaching curricula for blended and online format.

• Host webinar for heads of departments and new academic leaders.

• Host national Bi-annual Teaching Conference in early October 2021 (end of Education Month).

• Collaborate with Academic Engagement on QA matters.

• Strengthen CoETaL with additional human resources to enrich teaching pedagogy and increase student satisfaction and retention.

• Provide opportunities for scholarship in teaching and learning through research, seminars and workshops, and other related activities.

• Review, revise, and roll out at least three sets of the Human Relations Course to students and eventually the general public.

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U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

SELECTED RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION PROFILES U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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Selected Research and Publication Profiles

N

ote: This section presents only an indicative compilation of research projects. It is not a comprehensive list of research and publications of Faculties and Units. The complete lists may be found on the Faculty pages on the University of Guyana’s website and on the special site UG Research and Innovation Pages (now in development as we revamp our website).

I. FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY • Susy Lewis, Lawrence Lewis, Elroy Charles and Robert Skeete. Pruning as a successful treatment to improve growth of Acacia mangium Wild.

Plantation in the reclamation of goldmine spoils of Guyana. SCIREA Journal of Geosciences, 2020.

• Lawrence Lewis, M Hossain, BKR Rao. Physicochemical assessment of a waste rock dump in the Hidden Valley gold mine: A case study for bioremediation in Papua New Guinea - Environmental Earth Sciences, February 2020 – Springer.

• Susy Lewis and Judith Rosales. Restoration of Forested Lands under Bauxite Mining with Emphasis on Guyana during the First Two Decades of the XXI Century: A Review. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection. November 20, 2020.

• Phillips, Z.A., Karmakar, R.M & Dutta, S. (2020).

Characterization and Classification of Paddy Associated Non Paddy and Associated Non paddy Soils of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam.

Global Journal of Science Frontier, 20: 2249-4626.

• Ramdial, D.; Sewdien, A.; Rasdan, J.; Critchlow, S.; Tjong-A-Hung, N.; Ospina, A.; Wortel, V.; Putz, F.E. Stump Sprout Characteristics of Three Commercial Tree Species in Suriname Forests 2020, 11, 1130.

II. FACULTY OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES • Oyedotun, T. D. T., Simmons, D., Rose, S., Benn, D. K., Garnet-Adams, K. Faculty Team Members on the project Strengthening Technical Capacities to mainstream and monitor Rio Convention implementation through policy coordination – Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Environment, 2020.

• Oyedotun, T. D. T., Kasim, O. F., Famewo, A., Oyedotun, T. D., Moonsammy, S., Ally, N. & RennMoonsammy, D-M., Municipal waste management in the era of COVID-19: Perceptions, practices, and potentials for research in Developing Countries, 2020 • Oyedotun, T. D. T. Quantitative Assessment of the drainage morphometric characteristics of Chaohu Lake Basin from SRTM DEM Data: A GIS-based Approach, 2019/2020 • Moonsammy, S., Oyedotun, T. D. T., RennMoonsammy, D-M, & Oyedotun, T. D. COVID-19 Modelling in the Caribbean: Spatial and statistical assessments, 2020 • Oyedotun, T. D. T. (Collaborative)- Evaluation of the Impacts of Metal(loids) on Soil Samples, Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen of Residents in Selected Industrial Communities in a Developing Country – Collaborative Research (with Samuel Oluwole Babajide (Principal Investigator) – others as co-Investigators, Temitope D. Timothy Oyedotun, Olayinka Oderinde, Babajide Emmanuel - Collaborative Research (Unfunded) • Oyedotun, T. D. T. & Moonsammy, S. Spatiotemporal variation of COVID-19 and its spread in South America: A Rapid Assessment, 2020 • Dina Khadija Benn, Visiting Researcher (Geospatial Modeling) on the project Development of an Evidence-Based, Gender-Equitable Framework for Climate Smart Agricultural Interventions – Ministry of Agriculture, University of Guyana, and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, 2020.

• Oyedotun, T. D. T. & Hamer, S. State of the Wellington Park Mangrove Forest. Report on Data Collected and Analysed for Wellington Park, East Berbice – Corentyne, Guyana, submitted to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency. p.94 (April 2020) • Johnson-Bhola, L., Simmons, D., Hamer, S., & Oyedotun, T. D. T. - Chapters One and Three of Guyana’s Third National Communication (TNC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Office of Climate Change, Ministry of Presidency, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, 2020

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III. FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND HUMANITIES A. Curriculum and Instruction & Foundation and Education Management • Simpson, H., Persaud, B., Shepherd, C., & Bess.

K, Development of a Logistics Management Information Systems Curriculum, PAHO/WHO & Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana, (Sept. 16 – December 13, 2019) • Simpson, H., Persaud, B., Shepherd, C., & Bess.

K, Development of a Logistics Management Information Systems Curriculum, PAHO/WHO & Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana, (Sept. 16 – December 13, 2019).

B. Foundation and Education Management During the 2019/2020 Academic year, Staff members continued to be actively engaged in research activities in their respective disciplines. Six (6) Journal articles and one book were published by the Journal of Education and Humanities, SAGE, Open, Interchange, New Horizons in Education and Social Studies, and International Journal of Early Years Education. There were also seven (7) academic con Teaching Conference, and conference and webinar presentations at the University of Guyana Onlining Webinar, University of Guyana Inaugural Teaching Conference, 9th PanCommonwealth Forum, University of Roehampton and Liverpool, and Syracuse University. Important national, regional and international collaborative initiatives were also undertaken.

A collaborative effort was the Pan-cultural Perspectives on Play-Childhood Development and Early Education

by Syracuse University, Pennsylvania State University, Bloomsburg University, University of Guyana, University of Trinidad and Tobago, St. George’s Medical School, Grenada, UWI, Barbados, Shortwood Teachers’ College, Jamaica. In support of the UG Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (UG ECCE), there was continued collaboration with UWI Early Childhood Centre of Excellence, Jamaica, UNICEF, and Basic Needs Trust Fund Implementing Agency (BNTF-IA) Guyana, the Ministries of Education and Social Protection.

Conceived in 2010, UG ECCE received funding support of $GY 160, 247, 131.00 from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, through BNTF_IA. C. History and Caribbean Studies Two unpublished collaborative projects on Insanity and Imprisonment in British Guyana, Immigration and Incarceration in Colonial Guiana, and one on U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Development Policy and Politics of Import Substituting Agriculture in Guyana 1970-1990, were all completed by lecturers. Ongoing collaborative research activities include mental health and substance abuse misuse in Guyana’s prisons as well as on crime and punishment in Colonial Guyana. These activities are being carried out by means of collaboration by the University of Guyana with the Guyana Prison Service, and the Georgetown Public Hospital (GHPC).

IV. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Staff research output continues to be unacceptable, however, the Faculty Research Committee led by Dr Anna Perreira and which now includes ten faculty and student members spearheaded the discussion on the Faculty Research Agenda (See Figure 1 page XX) and hosted a presentation on “An investigation into the constitutive parameters of selected electrical appliances” by Mr Jomo Gill.

V. FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES/COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES • T Bess, C Cassiano, P Malcom, K Chin, S Andrews, M Conway, G Ang and E Cummings (2019) Prevalence of refractive errors in selected Secondary. School Students in Hinterland versus Coastland Regions of Guyana West Indian Med J 2019; 68 (Suppl. 1): 44 P 73• A Mohammed, T Rampersaud, M Persaud, V Ramdeholl, S Viera, M Conway, G Ang and E Cummings (2020).

“An investigation of the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in selected High School Students (ages 13-15) in Georgetown Guyana” has been accepted for an oral presentation at the next CARPHA Health Research Conference Jamaica June 2020 and will be published in the West Indian Medical Journal • N Victorine, Y Allicock, K Hayling, L Pryce, O Simon, L Gooding, S Sue Chee, and E Cummings (2020).

Lifestyle risk factors in breast cancer patients at the Oncology Clinic, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Accepted for a poster presentation at 2020 CARPHA Health Research Conference, will be published in the West Indian Medical Journal • Lowe J, Ke C, Singh K, Gobin R, Lebovic G, Ostrow B. Development and Validation of a New Diabetes Risk Score in Guyana. Diabetes Ther. 2020 Apr;11(4):873-883.

• M Sharma, R Gobin S Goberdhan, O Perreira, et al.

A preliminary assessment of barbershop readiness for integration into the primary care pathway to

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promote men’s health in Guyana. Accepted for oral presentation at CARPHA Conference 2020 M Ramdeen, R Gobin, O Perreira, S Goberdhan, et al. Development of a sustainability framework to incorporate internationally funded projects into Guyana’s National Budget, from an International Health Perspective, Using the CONTACT Study as a model (Joint first author). Accepted for presentation at CARPHA Conference 2020 S Andrews, A Henry, K Khan, S Milton, K Narain, R Tucker, R Gobin. Knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs regarding contraception among antenatal women in Region 6, Guyana (Senior Author). Accepted for oral presentation at CARPHA Conference 2020 Perez O M, Breast cancer receptor status among women in Guyana. Presented in XV Congress of Cuban Association of Pathology. Havana, Cuba, October 2019 Endocrine disorders in a Specialized Hospital in Guyana. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Perez O M Medical Research. 30(12):30-31, 2019.

Article no. JAMMR.52821 Perez O M Causes of deaths in Guyana: an autopsy study from the Georgetown Public Hospital Pathology department by the University of Guyana, School of Medicine. Accepted to be presented at CARPHA 65th Annual Health Research Conference.2020 J Hsieh, H Sati, Z Payton, M Bonet, B AlladinKaran, P Mohamed-Rambaran et al. Standardized Point Prevalence Survey on Antibiotic Use to Inform Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies in the Caribbean. [JOURNAL ARTICLE] Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 6, Issue Supplement_2, October 2019, Pages S683 S684, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1714 Bibi Alladin, Pheona Mohamed, Vijay Grey, Andrea Hunter, Pranesh Chakraborty, Matthew Henderson et al. A newborn screening pilot for congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell anemia in Guyana.

GPHC, Mc Master University, Newborn Screening Ontario, Children’s Health Eastern Ontario. April 2020 journal submission.

Bibi Alladin, William Adu-Krow. Policy brief for the introduction of newborn screening in Guyana.

PAHO/ WHO Washington DC. January 2020.

Karishma Jeeboo / Jewel Edmondson-Carter / An Evaluation of the Attitudes and Beliefs of Physicians and Pharmacists towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine Based on CAMBI and another Instrument / Journal of Complementary and

Alternative Medical Research / 2020 • Karishma Jeeboo / Jewel Edmondson-Carter / Effect of an Educational Intervention about Herbal Medicine on the Knowledge of Physicians and Pharmacists / Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research / 2020 • J.Lowea K.Singhb K.Sukhrajc P.Rambarand G.Lebovice Standardized Point Prevalence Survey on Antibiotic Use to Inform Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies in the Caribbean October 2019 DOI: • C. Boston, A. Anderson, R. Kurup Sero-prevalence of HTLV 1 and HTLV 2 among blood donors in Guyana International Journal of Advances in Science, Engineering and Technology 7(1); (Spcl Issue-2).

• C. Boston R. Kurup - Comparison and Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as against Conventional Medicine in the Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research 7(2 • C. Boston - Trends of Pseudomonas species and Acinetobacter species in a public hospital setting, Guyana. West Indian Medical Journal (Supplement) Vol. 68 (Suppl 1) • C. Boston - Incidence of Pre-diabetes and its’ association with central obesity among a sampled University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, students West Indian Medical Journal (Supplement) Vol. 68 (Suppl 1) • C. Boston - The Effectiveness of Salivary Glucose as a Non-Invasive Method of Monitoring Glucose Metabolism - West Indian Medical Journal (Supplement) Vol. 68 (Suppl 1) – • D. Van-Veen - Degree of Adherence to Contact Precautions by Healthcare Workers in the Medical Laboratory - Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research Volume 30 Issue 12 • R. Kurup - Comparison and Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as against Conventional Medicine in the Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes - Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research • P. Cheddie Incidence of Group B Strep (Streptococcus agalactiae) colonisation among pregnant women attending the Linden Hospital Complex - : 64th CARPHA Health Research Conference • P Cheddie - Detection of extended-spectrum and production in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a tertiary care

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hospital in Georgetown, Guyana - 64th CARPHA Health Research Conference • M. McKenzie - The Effectiveness of Salivary Glucose as a Non-Invasive Method of Monitoring Glucose Metabolism 64th CARPHA Health Research Conference • Dr Reeta Gobin, CONTACT Study, 2020: intervention and data collection phases completed.

Data analysis and manuscript preparation ongoing.

C. Department of Computer Science Two major research projects were undertaken by members of the department. These projects focused on first time experiences of female with programme at the Grade 6 to 9 Levels and on predicting student performance in small cohorts using dynamic attributed of Bloom’s course classification. Members of the department achieved three publications and three conference presentations were recorded for the year.

VI. FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES Across the faculty, a total of 42 publications were achieved for the year. This effort was driven largely by the Department of Biology but each department/unit contributed to this faculty total.

Two staff members completed Master of Science programmes. Specifically, Mr. Dave Sarran completed a Master of Science in Information Systems Management at University of Sheffield and Ms. Juanelle Marks completed a Master of Science in Data Science at the City University of New York.

A. Department of Biology The major projects undertaken by members of the department include (1) A comparative assessment of avifaunal diversity and abundance in the Felicity -Chateau Margot mangrove reserve, E.C.D, (2) Morph-physicochemical and Transcriptome responses Chenopodium quinoa to salinity, (3) Students’, graduates’ and lecturers’ perceptions of employability at a university: A case study to define current strategies and recommend improvements (4) Earthworm Population Ecology, Impact of deforestation on earthworm populations in Guyana’s rainforests, Four newly documented species of earthworms in a coastal mangrove ecosystem of Guyana and (5) Biodiversity and Fisheries survey for NAPPI Reservoir, Nappi Village, Region 9.

Two members of the department – Elford Liverpool and Calvin Bernard – were members of the Marine Turtle Action Task Force and Committee, Coordinated

by GWCMC and PAC. In addition, Elford Liverpool was the Coordinator for Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: The Eastern Gate to the Caribbean. This was EU Funded and led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF)Guianas and Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

2019/2020.

B. Department of Chemistry Samantha Joseph and Medeba Uzzi were rewarded a Festival Grant of $3000USD from American Chemical Society’s Committee on International Activities (IAC), Committee on Community Activities (CCA) and Society Committee on Education (SOCED) for training Chemistry Teachers.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

D. Department of Mathematics, Physics & Statistics The academic year 2019/2020 has seen continued advancements of the MPS Department in staffing, students, acquisition of equipment, club activities and co-curricular activities. Some staff were promoted, and others were completing advanced degrees. There is ongoing research on mobile learning by several members of the department. The department also piloted its revised BSc Statistics programme.

E. Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity The CSBD executed one major research project during the year. This project focused on restoring ecosystem functions to degraded mining site in Guyana and it was done under a NORAD grant through Conservation International Guyana. In addition, Ms. Christell Chesney was awarded a Chevening scholarship to pursue an MSc in Conservation and Rural Development at the University of Kent. She was received a Global Skills Award from the Kent Graduate School, University of Kent- July 2020.

• Andrade, M. C., López-Fernández, H. & Liverpool, E. A. (2019). New Myloplus from Essequibo River basin, Guyana, with discussion on the taxonomic status of Myleus pacu Characiformes: Serrasalmidae). Neotropical Ichthyology,17(4): e190026.

• Ansari, A. A. (2020). Earthworms and microbes in environmental management through vermitechnology-mediated organic farming. In J. Sangeetha, D. Thangadurai & S. Islam (Ed.).

Beneficial microbes for sustainable agriculture and environmental management (pp. 353-370). Boca Raton: Apple Academic Press.

• Ansari, A. A., Raghubeer, H., & Jaikishun, S. (2019).

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The effect of vermiwash and vermicompost produced from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Citrus aurantifolia on the growth parameters of celery through hydroponic system. Tropical Drylands, 3(1): 11-16.

Arjune, Y. P., Ansari, A. A., Jaikishun, S., & Homenauth, O. (2019). Effect of vermicompost and other fertilizers on soil microbial population and growth parameters of f1 mongal tomato (Solanum lycopersicum mill.). Pakistan Journal of Botany, 51(5).

Bacchus, A., Daniel, R. & Parsram, A. (2020). To Compare the removal efficiency of two constructed biofilters (Bios and Biochar water filtration system) for irrigation in two areas in West Coast Berbice.

Journal of Biology and Nature, 11(1), 23-36.

Bozkurt, A., Koutropoulos, A, Singh, L., & Honeychurch, S. (2020). On lurking: Multiple perspectives on lurking within an educational community. The Internet and Higher Education, (44).

Gordon, T. M., & Daniel, R. (2020). To study the antibacterial activity of locally produced processed and unprocessed honey in Guyana and to see its potency against two pathogenic bacteria namely Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Journal of Biology and Nature, 11(2), 14-21.

Guerra, F. Ansari, A. A., Kurup, R., & Subramanian, G. (2020). Antifungal activity of Senna alata, Senna bicapsularis and Pityrogramma calomelanos.

Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 10(3), 11-21.

Headley, T., Daniel R. Liverpool, E., & Ansari, A. A. (2020). Comparative study of the antibiotic potency of natural (Cyanthillium cinereum and Moringa oleifera) and synthetic (Ampicillin and Erythromycin) antibiotics. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 14, 287-300.

Jagessar, R. C. (2020). “Plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic medicines. Drug Jagessar, R. C. (2020). Antimicrobial activity of selected plant extracts. Drug designing & Intellectual properties International journal, 3 (4), 387-401.

Jagessar, R. C, Douglas, L. (2020). The fermentation of sugar rich fruits: jamun (syzigium cumini), soursop (Annona muricata), and papaya (Carica papaya), with and without additives, in order to produce optimum ethanol yield for commercial purposes. American Journal of Research Communication, 8(3), 1-37.

Jagessar, R. C. (2019). Antioxidant properties of

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plant extracts. Edelweiss Pharma Analytic Acta, 1, 15-18.

Jagessar, R.C. (2020). Insecticidal activity of plant extracts. Drug Designing & IntellectualProperties International Journal, 3(2), 359-363, 2020.

Jaikishun, S., Li, W., Yang, Z., & Song, S. (2019).

Quinoa: In perspective of global challenges. A review. Agronomy, 9(4).

Jaikishun, S., Song, S., Gang, P., & Yang, Z. (2020).

Morpho-Physiological Responses of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes to salinity in a hydroponic system. American Journal of Plant Physiology, 12 (5).

Kalamandeen, M., Gloor, E., Johnson, I., Agard, S., Katow, M., Vanbrooke, A., Ashley, D., Batterman, S.A., Ziv, G., Holder‐Collins, K., & Phillips, O. L. (2020). Limited biomass recovery from gold mining in Amazonian forests. Journal of Applied Ecology, 57(9), 1730-1740.

Kalicharan, L. & Oxenford, H. A. (2020). Shortterm estimate of finfish bycatch discards in the inshore artisanal shrimp fishery of Guyana. Gulf and Caribbean Research, 31, GCFI1-GCFI9.

Kalicharan, L. & Oxenford, H.A. (2019).

Examining finfish bycatch discards in the artisanal Chinese seine fishery in the Demerara estuary, Guyana. Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, Barbados.

Kurup, R., Ansari A. A., Singh, J., Raja, A. V. (2019). Wound care knowledge, attitudes and practice among people with and without diabetes presenting with foot ulcers in Guyana. The Diabetic Foot Journal, 22(3): 24–31.

Lakenarine, R., Seecharran, D. & Ram, M. (2020).

Impacts of climate change on farmers and their adaptive strategies along the Essequibo Coast, Guyana. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 10(02). DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.29322/IJSRP.10.02.2020.p9861.

Lakenarine, R., Seecharran D., & Ram, M. (2020).

Impacts of climate change on farmers and their adaptive strategies along the Essequibo Coast, Guyana. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 10(2), 438-444.

Lowenfield, T. A., Ansari, A. A., Jaikishun, S. (2019).

A comparison of biodynamic preparation 500, tank, biodung and vermitech composting systems in compost production and its influence on the agronomy of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences, 11(1), 28-33.

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• Maharaj, G., Winstanley, D., & Bourne, G.R. (2019).

Diversity and habitat affinities of butterfly families in Central Guyana South America. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 7(5), 411-417.

• Maldonado, D., Subramanian, G. Kurup, R., & Ansari, A. A. (2020). Antifungal activity and phytochemical screening of Cymbopogon citratus, Cajanus cajan and Plectranthus amboinicus leaves collected in Guyana, South America. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 5(1): 1-9.

• Nazir, S., Subramanian, G., & Ansari, A. A. (2020).

The use of spirodela polyrrhiza (Duckweed) and eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) to phytoremediate wastewater in Guyana. Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 4 (3), 69-75.

• Persaud, R. (2019). Earthworm population ecology; Guyana, S.A. PeerJ Preprints. https://doi. org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.27818v1 • Persaud R. (2019). Impact of deforestation on earthworm populations in Guyana’s rainforests.

PeerJ Preprints.https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj. preprints.27841v1 • Persaud R. (2019). Four newly documented species of earthworms in a coastal mangrove ecosystem of Guyana, S.A. PeerJ Preprints https://doi. org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.27897v1 • Persaud, C., Daniel, R., & Hemraj, D. (2019).

Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of three selected spices seed extracts against food spoilage microorganisms, Bioteknologi, 16 (2), 51-56.

• Pestano, F., Subramanian, G., Ansari, A. A., & Da Silva, P. (2019). Investigation of the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soils and on insects from Corentyne Berbice, Guyana. GCS Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 08 (03): 001-009.

• Prashad, L. Daniel, R. & Ram, M. (2020). Survey of the bacterial diversity at two coastal beaches in Guyana. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Chem, 18(2), 41-48.

• Persaud, N. Ragobeer, P., Daniel, R. (2020).

The antibacterial activity of locally grown turmeric (Guyana) using ethanol extracts at different concentrations against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The Asia Journal of Applied Microbiology, 7(1), 8 - 18.

• Prashad L, Daniel R, Ram M. (2020). Survey of the bacterial diversity at two coastal beaches in Guyana. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 18: 41-48.

• Rampertab, S. K., Maharaj, G, Seecharran, D., Hemraj, D. (2020). Road mortality of Herpetofauna U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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along selected roads in Georgetown, Guyana–A Baseline Study. 2020NCUR Proceedings.

Sabaj, M.H., López-Fernández, H., Willis, S.C., Hemraj, D. D., Taphorn, D.C., & Winemiller, K.O. (2020). Cichla cataractae (Cichliformes: Cichlidae), new species of peacock bass from the Essequibo Basin, Guyana and Venezuela. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 167(1), 69-86.

Singh, L. (2020). A systematic review of higher education academics’ use of microblogging for professional development case of Twitter. Open Education Studies, 2(1), 66-81. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1515/edu-2020-0102 Singh, L. (2020). Cultural affordances of Twitter in higher education professional development: A literature review. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 127-143.

Singh, N., Singh. D., Maharaj, G., & Persaud, M. (2019). The effect of infestation with rice water weevil (Helodytes foveolatus Duval) on the growth and development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Guyana. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad), 96, 86-92.

VII. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES • Yaw, Fitzgerald. 2019. Sustainable Development for All Guyanese the Imperatives of Governance Reform. Transformation, Special Issue Vol. 46.

• Baluch, Nazim Baluch & Rambarran, Richard.

2019. Green Social Entrepreneurship: Evaluating Ultrasonic Micro Biodiesel Production in Guyana, Transformation, Special Issue Vol. 46.

• Edwards, Hector & Gobin, Diana. 2019. Job Commitment and Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Employees of the National Insurance Scheme Guyana, Transformation, Special Issue Vol. 46.

• Singh, Evelina. 2019. Criminal Responsibility and Children who kill: A Neurocriminology Perspective, Transformation, Special Issue Vol. 46.

• DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna and Hosein, Roger.

2018. Non-tariff barriers to trade: What does the experience of Guyanese exporters of food and agriculture products reveal? Journal of International Trade Law and Policy. Volume 19 Number 1 pp.5574 • DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna and Hosein, Roger.

2018. Do SPS and TBT regulations inhibit Guyana’s Exports of Food and Agriculture Products to CARICOM markets? Social and Economic Studies 67: 2 & 3: 133—174 ISSN: 0037-7651 • DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna, Bynoe, Mark, David, Shameza, Glasgow, Everette. 2018. Upgrading In

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the Global Furniture Value Chain: What Possibilities for Guyana? Transformation Journal Issue 45.

Rampersaud, T. (2019). Paradigmatic Shifts in Understanding Communication – from the ‘Diffusionist’ Perspective to the ‘Participatory’ Perspective of Communication. Labyrinth, 10(4), 19-37.

Rampersaud, T. (2020). Capacity Building for Participatory Management of Community Radio: Case Studies in Bangladesh. Mass Communicator - International Journal of Communication Studies.

13(1).

DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna. 2017. “Challenges to Agricultural Diversification- Sanitary and PhyoSanitary as regulatory barriers to non-traditional agricultural products from Guyana”. Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany. ISBN; 978-3-33008091-1 DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna, and Dodson, Louis.

“Guyana in the Global Rum Value Chain”.

Competitiveness through Global Value Chains: Selected Industry Case Studies for Caribbean Countries, Kingston: UWI Press Publishing. 2016.

ISBN 978-976-640-603-5 DaSilva-Glasgow, Dianna, Bynoe, Mark. “Reflection on the Motives for Caribbean Integration and the European Union Experience Considered”. In ‘The Caribbean in a Changing World: Surveying the past, aping the future’ (vol 1) (Eds: Livingston Smith, Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper and Erica Gordon and Alexandra Bodden), United Kingdom: Cambridge Scholars Publishers. 2016. ISBN (10) 1-4438-00589 Mr. Sydney Armstrong presented on “Strategies to ensure Economic Strength- Sustaining the Big Boom” at the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition which was held at the Marriot Hotel Georgetown Guyana on 22nd November 2019.

Mr. Sydney Armstrong facilitated a presentation titled “An Economic Comparison between the Bauxite and Oil Industry” for the Moray House Panel Discussion: What can Bauxite teach us about Oil. This presentation was done on the 17th February 2020.

VIII. UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA BERBICE CAMPUS (UGBC)

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A. Division of Agriculture Science • Zenesia Asiyih Phillips, Characterization and Classification of Paddy Associated Non Paddy and 131

Associated Non paddy Soils of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. Global Journal of Science Frontier Vol. 20 (2020).

Zenesia, Asiyih, Phillips. An Assessment of Organic Carbon Fractions in Paddy and Associated NonPaddy Soils in Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam.

Asian Journal of Agriculture and food Sciences Vol. 07 April (2019).

Shazeela Nazir, Gomathinayagam Subramanian and Abdullah Adil Ansari, (2020) “The Use of Spirodela polyrrhiza (Duckweed) and Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) to Phytoremediate Wastewater in Guyana”, Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology, Volume 4, Issue 3, Pages 69-75.

Denis Maldonado, Gomathinayagam Subramanian, Rajini Kurup and Abdullah Adil Ansari (2020) “Antifungal Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Cymbopogon citratus, Cajanus cajan and Plectranthus amboinicus Leaves Collected in Guyana, South America”. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 5(1): pp 1-9.

Florencia Guerra, Abdullah Adi Ansari, Rajini Kurup and Gomathinayagam Subramanian (2020), “Antifungal activity of Senna alata, Senna bicapsularis and Pityrogramma calomelanos”, Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, Volume 10(Issue 3), pp 11-21.

Varatharaju, G., K. Nithya, P. Suresh, M. Rekha, N. Balasubramanian, S. Gomathinayagam, P.T. Manoharan and V. Shanmugaiah (2020) “Biocontrol Properties and Functional Characterization of Rice Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas sp. VSMKU4036” J Pure Appl. Microbiol | 14(2): pp 1545-1556.

Roshnie Singh, Dharamdeo Singh, Phillip Da Silva, and Gomathinayagam Subramanian (2020), “Evaluation of the microbial load and identification of possible sources of contamination of raw cow’s milk in Joanna, Black Bush Polder, Region 6, Guyana”, International Journal of Research – GRANTHAALAYAH, Vol 8. (05), pp 22-31.

Gomathinayagam Subramanian, Brij B. Tewari and Rekha Gomathinayagam (2020), “Studies and Analysis of Phytochemicals and N.P.K in Crude Leaf Extract of Bel Fruit (Aegle Marmelos)” Vol. 68-Issue-1, Journal of Our Heritage, pp-8220-8227.

Zenesia Asiyih Phillips, Lecturer II, from Division of Agriculture Science presented at (1) Research Conference 2019, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Mon Repos: (2) Virtual conference – Nutrition research conference, Magnus group Conferences 13-14th July, 2020 U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• Pamela Rose, Lecturer II, Integrating high impact practices in a language education course. Accepted for publication.

• Daizal Samad, published a novel, The Mirror tells its tale and completed a manuscript for publication on Homelessness in West Indian Literature.

B. Division of Education and Humanities • Pamela Rose, Lecturer II, “Integrating high-impact practices in a language education course.”

• Chatterpaul, Ray and Rose, Pamela. (2019). The implementation of reforms in Guyanese English language classrooms: lessons for the future. In • Faraclas, N., R. Severing, C. Weijer, E. Echteld, W. Rutgers and S. Delgado. eds. (pp.153-165).

Positive Interferences: Unsettling resonances in the study of the languages, literatures and cultures of the Greater Caribbean and beyond. Willemstad, Curaçao: University of Curaçao.

• Lewis, Michelle and Rose, Pamela. (2019). Teachers’ perception of a literacy hour program in Guyana.

In Faraclas, N., R. Severing, C. Weijer, E. Echteld, W. Rutgers and S. Delgado. eds. (pp.167-176).

Positive Interferences: Unsettling resonances in the study of the languages, literatures and cultures of the Greater Caribbean and beyond. Willemstad, Curaçao: University of Curaçao.

• Rose, Pamela. (2019). Teachers’ practices and learners’ preferences in writing classrooms in Guyana.In Faraclas, N., R. Severing, C. Weijer, E. Echteld, W. Rutgers and S. Delgado. eds. (pp.177192). Positive Interferences: Unsettling resonances in the study of the languages, literatures and cultures of the Greater Caribbean and beyond.

Willemstad, Curaçao: University of Curaçao.

• Pamela Rose and Camanie Khedaroo. Presented Establishing Writing Centres: A proposal for the University of Guyana to the Faculty of Education and Humanities, January 2020.

• Pamela Rose. Curriculum Guides. Writing and Representing Strands for Language Arts, Grades 7 and 8 for Ministry of Education, Guyana C. Division of Natural Sciences • Shafeak Ghanie, Lecturer I, Master Thesis - Personal Epistemology a Mathematics Performance of FirstYear Science Students at the University of Guyana • Phillip Da Silva, A.A., Reader “Evaluation of the microbial load and identification of possible sources of contamination of raw cow’s milk in Joanna, Black Bush Polder, Region 6, Guyana” Publisher: International Journal of ResearchU.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

GRANTHAALAYAH, 8(5), 22-31. https://doi. org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i5.2020.44 Journal: International Journal of ResearchGRANTHAALAYAH, 8(5), 22-31. https://doi. org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i5.2020.44 [This is a joint publication with Pestano, Ferial, Gomathinayagam, Subramanian and Ansari, Abdullah] • Phillip Da Silva, A.A., Reader, “Investigation of the occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soils and on insects from Corentyne Berbice” Publisher: GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 8(3), 0109. Journal: GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. [This is a joint publication with Roshnie Singh, Dharamdeo Singh and Gomathinayagam Subramanian] • Vishal Mahabir, Lecturer 1, from the Division of Natural Sciences was invited to present research on “Preparation and Characterization of Acetylated Cellulose Bioplastics from Bagasse, Rice Hulls and Coconut Husk” at the Innoplast Solutions 28th Conference, 10th on Re-Invention of Plastics in May 2020. Conference postponed to June 2021 D. Division of Social Sciences • Suicides in South-American prisons: prevalence and associated factors. Francesco D. Fritz; Seena Fazal; Andres Benavides; Paulette Henry; Guillermo Rivera; Julio Torales; Natalia Trujillo Orrengo; Freddy Vasquez; Adrian P Mundt. (2020) Springer.

• Stress -Diathesis and suicide behaviour: unpacking clinical symptoms, cortisol and suicide attempts in a high-risk Guyanese sample; Paulette Henry, University of Guyana; Marco Costan CUNY College NY; Ellen-ge Denton, PsyD, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY; American Psychsomatic Society; 77th Annual Scientific Meeting E. Library • Lowe, D., La Rose, S., and Bhagwandin, N. (2019).

Pursuing Opportunities Available to Support Your Own Learning: A Case Study: University of Guyana Library. International Journal of Learning and Development, 9(4) 18-37.

• Harris, C., La Rose, S., & Lowe, D. (2020). Using of Digital Technology to empower users with special needs at the University of Guyana Library.

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(6) 489-503.

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IX. INSTITUTES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA The University of Guyana has 11 institutes which are dedicated to specialized knowledge generation, problem solving, outreach, innovation and specialized policy and other services. These are the Institute for Food and Nutrition Security (IFANS), The Green Institute (UGGI), The Confucius Institute, The Institute for Energy Diplomacy, The Language Institute, The Institute for Gender Studies(IGS), The Institute for Research, Innovation and entrepreneurship (UGIREE), The Graduate School for Research, The Institute for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (ISITD) and the institute for Development Studies (IDS). Some are fully operational and others are in the early stages of development.

A. UG Green Institute • Towards a Green Petro-State: A Carbon Tax at the Wellhead in Guyana as a Measure to Reduce Pollution, UGGI Policy Brief No. 1, by Thomas B. Singh, and Timothy Lang, September 18, 2018.

B. Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) • Fritz, F.D., Fazel, S., Benavides Salcedo, A. et al.

(2020). 1324 prison suicides in 10 countries in South America: incidence, relative risks, and ecological factors. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. doi. org/10.1007/s00127-020-01871-3 • Henry, P., Constanza, M., and Denton E. (2019).

Stress-Diathesis and Suicide Behaviour: unpacking clinical symptoms, cortisol and suicide attempts in a high-risk Guyanese sample, American Psychosomatic Society, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2019.

X. UG LIBRARIES Kezia Bacchus Research Activities: • “Measuring emotional intelligence and productivity in a changing information landscape: University of Guyana Library, Turkeyen Campus”. A collaborative research conducted and submitted by Ms. Kezia Bacchus and Ms. C. Harris.

Resource Person: • Conducted orientation training for UA/UB staff members.

• Created a manual for the automation of the accession ledger for Acquisitions Department, September 2019.

Nalisha Bhagwandin Research Activities: • Lowe, D.; La Rose, S. and Bhagwandin, N. (2019).

Pursuing Opportunities Available to Support Your Own Learning: A Case Study: University of Guyana Library. International Journal of Learning and Development. 9(4) 18-37.

Resource Person: • Committee member for UGBC’s Convocation 2019 • Assisted with conducting Library tours for students and visitors.

• Commenced the first phase of exploring the face recognition app for library patrons • Conducted Information Literacy sessions: defining and interrogating the term Information Literacy, use of the Library databases, its features, other online databases, APA referencing and plagiarism for the following: September 6, 2019, - first year Agriculture Science students; September 18, 2019, students visited the Library for IL in- library sessions; and February 3, 2020, - students and lectures EPE 520, Research Report Primary course.

Creative Activities: • Assisted in compiling newspaper articles on UG and others seen as relevant and timely.

• Assisted in updating the Library’s social networking sites i.e. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. • Assisted in mounting the exhibition for Indigenous Month under the theme “Maintaining our traditional practices while promoting a green economy”, September 2019.

• Assisted in mounting the exhibition for Education Month under the theme “Education- key to National Development”, September 2019.

• Assisted in a Supplement - steaming video of the month, titled, Finland once a poor nation depending on agriculture: but now has the best education system in the world!

Delicia Bennett-Renville Research Activities: • A collaborative research entitled: “Libraries’ contributing to a healthier environment through green practices.”, by Ms. D. Bennett-Renville and Ms. C. Harris (ongoing).

Resource Person: • Conducted orientation training for UB staff.

• Assisted library users with reference and information services on the evening shifts and Saturday shifts.

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Rosemond Carroll Research Activities: • “Rethinking Library Spaces”. Research paper done in fulfilment of Earned Study Leave, September 2019.

Resource person: • Conducted Citation presentation in APA format for: First year ENG1105 students in RTR Centre on September 23 & 24, 2019; Faculty of Natural Sciences final year computer science students in room E7(FNS) on September 27, 2019; Final year GIA4104 Faculty of Social Sciences students in the RTR Centre on September 30, 2019; and Final year DPM4100 students in the RTR Centre on October 5, 2019.

• Conducted ILS session on Library Orientation with Ms. S. Headley for first year ENG 1105 students in the GWLT on November 6, 2019.

• Conducted citation session APA format with Mr. I. Castello for the Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Sociology final year students in the SLT on February 18, 2020.

Ian Castello Research Activities: • “Cloud Server vs Dedicated Server: Choosing storage for the University of Guyana Library” (2019).

Gwyneth George Research Activities: • In conjunction with Dr. Michael Scott, DVC, DVC, Academic Engagement and Dr. Leyland Lucas, Dean, SEBI, prepared a policy paper on “Tenure Considerations for Academic Staff” as part of a Sub-Committee for Appointments Committee Creative Activities: • Presented a talk on “Making effective use of the Library as a resource in Teaching and Learning” – CoETaL Orientation for New Lecturers, ELT, September 12, 2019 • Chaired session on “Skills for success: Education policy and programme Evaluation” – CoETaL’s Inaugural Teaching Conference – Pegasus, October 4, 2019 • Delivered Guest Speaker’s Keynote Address to Graduands of the North Georgetown Government Secondary School (NGGS) – November 28, 2019, at the school’s auditorium

U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Clyden Harris Research Activities: • Harris, C., Larose, S., & Lowe, D. (2020). Using Digital Technology to empower users with special needs at the University of Guyana Library.

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(6), 489-503.

• ‘Measuring emotional intelligence and productivity in the changing Information Landscape: a case study of the UG Library’ a collaborative research conducted by Ms. Kezia Bacchus and Ms. Clyden Harris.

• A collaborative research entitled: “Libraries’ contributing to a healthier environment through green practices.”, by Ms. D. Bennett-Renville and Ms. C. Harris (ongoing).

• Assisted with the Draft guidelines for the fumigation of returned Library resources in collaboration with Ms. D. Lowe & Ms. S. La Rose.

• Prepared a quick reference guide for the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition (Input from Ms. Headley, Mrs. Carroll and Mr. Castello).

• Prepared a quick reference guide for the Law students using Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authority (In collaboration with the Deputy University Librarian, Ms. D. Lowe) Resource Person: • Ms. C. Harris conducted Reference & Citation training (Vancouver style) and how to effectively use EBSCO & HINARI databases for the third and final year students of the Faculty of Health Sciences on September 17, 2019 in the RTRC reading area.

• Ms. C, Harris and Mr. I. Castello conducted a reference & Citation Training (Vancouver style) and how to effectively use our Databases on November 15, 2019, in the RTRC, for the Faculty of Health Sciences.

• Coordinated/Planned online Information Literacy training sessions via zoom • Moderated online demonstration on the use of the library’s databases via Zoom on May 12 & 21, 2020.

• Moderated online Reference & Citation Training (American Psychological Association (APA) 6th ed.

Style) on the following dates: April 30, 2020, May 7, 2020, May 28, 2020.

Syndrene Harris Research Activities: • Certification of Completion. Fundamentals of Preservation. American Library Association for Library and Technical Services. ALA eLearning.

April 2020.

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• Certification of Completion. Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management.

American Library Association for Library and Technical Services. ALA eLearning, March 2020.

Resource Person: • Coordinated the exhibition on behalf of the Library for the University of Guyana, Department of Language and Cultural Studies. Faculty of Education and Humanities – 38th Annual West Indian Literature Conference. “Hinterlands: Journeys of Imagination”. Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. October ,17-19,2020.

• Coordinated an exhibition on behalf of the Library for the Ministry of The Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. Guyana Mashramani 50th Republic Anniversary “Mash Village”, Durban Park, Georgetown. February 1318, 2020.

• Conducted presentation on Referencing and Citation APA style for: Faculty of Social Sciences, Master of Social Work Students at the Education Lecture Theatre on September 6, 2019; Faculty of Humanities & Education. Ms. Sinikka Henry, Lecturer, first year use of English class at the Rabindranath Tagore Research Centre on September 23 and 24, 2019; Faculty of Social Sciences. Two (2) sessions for the SOC 1100 class at the Library’s RTR Centre on October 17, 2019; Faculty of Social Sciences. Ms. Leann Kendall class at the Small Lecture Theatre on November 19, 2019; and University of Guyana Students via zoom on May 28, 2020 and June 25, 2020.

• Conducted an orientation on the University of Guyana Library for New students at Institute of Distance and Continuing Education on September 16, 2019 at the Queens College Auditorium, Georgetown, Linden Branch on September 25, 2019 at the Linden Technical Institute, Linden, New Amsterdam Branch on October 2, 2019 at the New Amsterdam Centre.

• Conducted an orientation on the University of Guyana Library for new students at Ms. Cummings’ ENG 1105 class on November 6, 2019 at the GWLT and Ms. Charlene Wilkinson ENG class on November 6, 2019 at the GWLT. • Conducted an orientation and a general tour of the University of Guyana Library for twenty -six (26) students visiting from the Anton Decom University, Suriname on November 25, 2019 • Conducted an orientation session for Senior Library Assistant on Information Desk procedures and

manning the RTRC from November 25-December 12, 2019.

Tammy Hopkinson Resource Person: • Conducted a Reference and information services for library users on the Evening and Saturday shifts.

• Conducted reportorial service for the University of Guyana Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Cyril Potter College of Education Inaugural Teaching Conference on October 3 & 4, 2019, at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

• Conducted lectures on Research Techniques to students pursuing Occupational Safety and Health Diploma from the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) from September 2019 to July 2020.

Simmone La Rose Research Activities: • Lowe, D.; La Rose, S. and Bhagwandin, N. (2019).

Pursuing Opportunities Available to Support Your Own Learning: A Case Study: University of Guyana Library. International Journal of Learning and Development. 9(4) 18-37.

• Harris, C.; La Rose, S; Lowe, D. (2020). Using of Digital Technology to empower users with special needs at the University of Guyana Library.

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal. 7(6) 489-503.

Resource person: • Conducted the preliminary coordination activities for the 13th “Give a Gift”, December 2019.

• Coordinated the usher activities for UGBC’s convocation, November 2019.

• Assisted with conducting Library tours for students and visitors.

• Extracted aspects of the Information Literacy package and customized same for the purpose of access from BCL social media platforms. e.g., steps to use database, plagiarism, Boolean terms, some took a QA format – Spot the difference.

• Assisted with creating notices with information pertaining to COVID 19 measures, encouraging thoughts etc. for the Library’s social media forums.

• Developed a mini survey seeking students’ experiences on sources used during work via # Safe mode period.

• Contributed to drafting the Library’s protocol in light of COVID- 19 for the return of books to the Library.

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• Assisted with editorial work for the abstracts for CoETaL’s Inaugural Teaching Conference, October 3-4, 2019.

• Provided guidance, assisted students and lecturers with editing and formatting of research papers in person and via Email, Google meet, WhatsApp. • Delivered a presentation on “Library as “the” place,” - first year SEBI students in the classroom, 5th September 2019.

• Delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the Library as the information hub at the UGBC’s orientation for new students, September 4, 2019.

• Collaboratively did a presentation on University of Guyana at the completion of the Management Training in China, December 2019.

• Introduced the guest speaker for the Book Drive Certificate and Prize Ceremony, organized by Education and Humanities, class (EFN 4002), on January 7, 2020 Creative activities: • Researched and air supplementary videos on unique experiences/news or to support exhibitions mounted in the Library.

Debra Lowe Research Activities: • Harris, C., Larose, S., & Lowe, D. (2020). Using Digital Technology to empower users with special needs at the University of Guyana Library.

Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(6), 489-503.

• Lowe, D. (2020). University of Guyana Library Quality Assurance Framework: A Proposal.

International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 10(1), 380-401.

• Lowe, D., Larose, S., & Bhagwandin, N. (2019).

Pursuing Opportunities Available to Support Your Own Learning: A Case Study: University of Guyana Library. International Journal of Learning and Development, 9(4), 18-37. doi:10.5296/ijld. v9i4.15768.

• Prepared a quick reference guide for the Law students using Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authority (In collaboration with the Ms Clyden Harris). August 27, 2020.

• Prepared a paper on Proposed Spacing in Academic Libraries: University of Guyana Library. Paper submitted to the University Librarian and the New Library Building Steering Committee – June 30, 2020.

• Coordinated and prepared a Draft Guidelines for the Protocol for fumigation of returned Library U.G. ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

resources in collaboration with Ms Clyden Harris and Ms Simmone La Rose, March 20, 2020 Resource Person: • Participated in the Readers’ Services online demonstration on the use of the library’s databases via Zoom to facilitate the question and answers segments. May 12, 21 and July 1, 2020.

• Participated in the Readers’ Services online Reference & Citation Training (American Psychological Association (APA) 6th ed. Style) by facilitating the question and answers segment., April 30, May 7 and 28, 2020.

• Commenced the coordination of the Library Assistant II and Senior Library Assistant I training programme for promotion scheduled to commenced March and June 2020, respectively.

• Coordinated a Bindery training programme for Binders at Turkeyen and Tain campuses; with the National Library, which was scheduled for April, 2020.

• Coordinated in collaboration with Mr. Jeffery Walcott, former Personnel Officer, UG, the Supervisory Management Training for the Library’s Senior staff; Oct 9 – November 6, 2019.

Committees/ Boards: • Member of the Committee to Review the Proposed Changes to University of Guyana General Regulations Committee – August 10, 2020 • Library Representative on the New Library Steering Committee Meeting, 2019 - 2020 • Library Representative on the Faculty of Health Sciences Curriculum Council Committee September 2019 – present.

• Library Representative on the Student’s Welfare Board, September 2019 to present.

• Library Representative on the Committee of the Accreditation Board for the Health Science CAAM September, 2019-2020.

Shareefa Mohamed Research Activities: • Fundamental of Preservation - ALCTS web course May 4-29, 2020.

Resource person: • Provided reportorial duties for at the University of Guyana Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) Inaugural Teaching Conference “Investing in Education for Academic Growth and Development”, October 3-4, 2019, Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

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Carol Parris Research Activities: • “An Evaluation of the use of Audiovisual Learning Aids at the University of Guyana” – June – August 2019 (ongoing) – Earned Study Leave Yashwant Ramroop Research Activities: • “Towards an Institutional Repository at the University of Guyana Library using DSpace: a proposal”. (Earned Study Leave Report September 2019-November 2019) Somattie Sayrange Resource person: • Coordinator of UGBC’s 2019 convocation.

• Executed the final coordinating aspects of activities for the 13th “Give a Gift”, December 2019.

• Page manager – UGBCL’s Social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and WhatsApp. • Conducted IL sessions for lecturers and students of UGBC during the semester as the need arose.

• Via Virtual Advisory Hub, assisted persons with aspects of Information Literacy.

• Assisted with creating notices with pertinent information for the Library’s social media platforms.

• Conducted presentation for IL session – the database; with ENG 1105 class on September 30, 2019.

• Chaired the “Unconventional Conversations” a Professorial Lecture by Professor M. Scott, Characterizing the Republic: Ideological Contentions and Concern, LRTV hotel, February 12, 2020.

Donette Washington Research Activities: • Compiled Module 3 of the Manual for New Lectures entitled “Library Use in Teaching and Learning”, in collaboration with a Lecturer from the Berbice Campus – August 2020.

• A critical analysis of the Guyana Trades Union Act, Chapter 98:03 – November 2019 • An analysis of Financial Statements for Banks DIH Limited for the period 2015 – January 2020.

• “Factors Influencing Students’ Use of Electronic Resources Available through the University of Guyana Library”, (Earned Study Leave, January – April 2020 (ongoing) • Compiled and submitted a comprehensive report for UG Blueprint Encounter 2 – September 2, 2019 Resource person: • Conducted two (2) Information Literacy Sessions for ENG1105 students on September 26, 2019, in the Rabindranath Tagore Resource Centre Reading Room • Conducted an ILS: APA Reference and Citation Training for students via Zoom on May 14, 2020 • Chaired the 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the University of Guyana Cooperative Credit Union on June 28, 2020, via Zoom XI. EDUCATIONAL ONLINING SUPPORT SYSTEMS (EDOSS) • Black, D., Bissessar, C., & Boolaky, M. (2019).

Online education as an opportunity equalizer: The changing canvass of online education. Interchange. https://www.academia.edu/38867859/Online_ Education_as_an_Opportunity_Equalizer_The_ Changing_Canvas_of_Online_Education • COETAL, University of Guyana, presentation of paper on Teacher Professional Development.

October, 2019.

• 9TH Pan Commonwealth Forum 2019 on Online Learning. Presentation of paper on online learning.

September, 2019. Served as rapporteur.

• Psychological Capital and the HEROs of Online Education: April 2020 (University of Roehampton and Liverpool Online) • Co-Editor of Journal of Education and Humanities Volume 3 (2020).

• Policy Documents on Use of Turnitin • Policy Document on Online Teaching and Learning

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