By Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has marked a significant milestone in its partnership with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). This collaboration has been instrumental in providing Guyanese citizens with access to quality undergraduate and graduate education, supporting the government’s vision for a well-educated workforce and offering a second chance to those who have not previously had the opportunity to pursue tertiary education.

The fruits of this partnership were on full display at GOAL’s graduation ceremony, held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Guyana. Over 1600 students from all ten administrative regions of Guyana received their certificates, a testament to the broad reach and impact of the GOAL initiative. This event marked not only GOAL’s second graduation but also a significant milestone for USC: the graduation of our first cohort of students from our programs through GOAL.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, delivered the feature address, emphasizing the importance of accessible education in building a robust, knowledgeable society. The President’s speech underscored the government’s commitment to providing opportunities for higher learning to all Guyanese, a vision that GOAL is steadily fulfilling.

A highlight of the ceremony was the speech by Valedictorian Ms. Rohanie Beeram, who earned her Master of Business Administration from JAIN University. Ms. Beeram’s inspiring words resonated with the graduates, as she shared her journey of perseverance and success.

USC President, Dr. Colwick M. Wilson, attended the graduation in person to extend his congratulations and to celebrate the achievements of the eighty-five students who completed USC’s programs through GOAL. In his remarks, Dr. Wilson praised the graduates for their dedication and hard work, and highlighted the importance of education in driving personal and national development. Dr. Wilson’s presence underscored USC’s commitment to this partnership and the success of its students. He also participated in the distribution of certificates, personally handing them to the proud graduates.

Ps. Onesi La Fleur, Vice President for Student Services and Enrolment Management, also in attendance remarked, “The successful completion of these programs by eighty-five dedicated students represents the beginning of a new chapter in USC’s mission to provide quality education beyond our borders. Through this partnership, we have had the invaluable opportunity to export USC’s educational experience to the citizens of Guyana, enhancing their academic and professional journeys. USC is committed to continuing this journey and to expanding educational access through GOAL. Together, we can build a brighter future for Guyana, one educated citizen at a time.”  Also in attendance from USC was Ms. Leanna Alexander, Coordinator of the Special Education Program. 

The programs offered by USC through GOAL have been carefully curated to address key areas of need within Guyana’s workforce. These programs include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Educational Services (Emphasis: Special Education)
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

This first cohort of graduates now holds an esteemed role as USCian alumni and institutional ambassadors. Their experiences and feedback have been instrumental in helping USC understand how best to serve the government and people of Guyana. Their achievements reflect the strength of this historic collaboration and pave the way for future students to benefit from the same opportunities. These degrees not only equip students with essential knowledge and skills but also prepare them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. 

“The collaboration between USC and GOAL is a testament to our shared commitment to empowering individuals by expanding educational opportunities,” said Dr. Wilson. “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and look forward to continuing our partnership with Guyana to support the academic and professional aspirations and development of its citizens.”

The success of this graduation ceremony underscores the positive impact of the USC-GOAL partnership and the transformative potential of online education. As more students take advantage of these opportunities, the vision of an educated and empowered Guyanese workforce becomes increasingly attainable.

As GOAL continues to grow and expand its reach, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for many in Guyana, embodying the government’s vision of an accessible and inclusive educational system. This year’s graduation ceremony is a promising indicator of the effect strategic educational partnerships can have on a nation’s future and individual’s personal and professional growth.

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

On Thursday October 21st, 2021, at 3:00pm, the University of the Southern Caribbean Economics Department fielded a team of debaters in the annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Conference on the Economy (COTE) Tertiary Debating Competition. The theme: Be it resolved that resources are efficiently allocated towards treatment of mental health issues in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

The USC debating team was comprised as follows:

1. 1^st Speaker for the Opposition – Kerry-Ann Gibbs
2. 2^nd Speaker for the Opposition – Anfernee Patron
3. Summary Speaker – Gershom Byng

We looked forward with great anticipation to reclaim the Championship Trophy but alas our opponents, UWI Team B edged us out and progressed to the finals. We congratulate them on their success! Though we were not able to pass the knock-off round, our team did impress the judges since the last debate was the most intense.

The School of Business and Entrepreneurship has been a regular participant in the COTE over the years and have won several times with our last victory taking place in 2019.  This year however, we also took part the COTE Youth Armchair Discussion.  Mr. Gershom Byng also represented the University in this event and performed exceptionally. These events all took place on a virtual platform.

Dr. Stephen Pilgrim, recently appointed Professor of Economics, was the lead coach for the team and he was ably supported by the Chair of Department – Esther Cedeno. We also acknowledge the sterling contribution of Duane Winchester, an adjunct Economics Lecturer in the School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Mr. Odell Jueanville, Management Lecturer and Mrs. Natalia Francois, an adjunct Finance Lecturer. We also express thanks to Mr. Dwight Francis and team, as well as several others for their invaluable support in preparation for the day of the Debate.

The spirit of togetherness and positivity was very real among the team members who regularly attended debate practice sessions, along with the teachers indicated above. The determination of the Economics debaters, augers well for the future of the Economics Academic Program at USC. It is the hope that this form of intellectual curiosity and rigor would characterize a desirable style of learning throughout USC, going forward. Further, we hope to strengthen the pursuit of scholarly research and raise awareness and enthusiasm among students and faculty alike.

We salute our team!

Culture; it is the very essence of who we are. The very tide that binds a person to their place of origin, it is a key part of our overall makeup. From national food to cultural wear, each of its components plays a key role in the shaping of our day to day lifestyles and the formulation of our individual identities. USC, like any other place, is not exempt from the influence of this phenomenon.

In fact, the institution serves as a melting pot of cultural diversity. Every year, such diversity is put on display in the week of activities referred to as International Students Week. The event seeks to capture the very spirit of the university by showcasing the various faces which make up its general population, through the various cultural clubs on campus.

This year’s event was run under the theme “USC Ansanm: Unity in Adversity”.

Ansanm (A-sum), a French Creole word meaning “together”, suitably captured the mood set for this year’s festivities. The theme was selected in retrospect of the recent events which rocked the islands during the past few months. Hurricanes battered and bruised the likes of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and the Virgin Islands, in what had been the worst season in decades. For many of the students, these storms literally hit home as they were forced to pick up the pieces left by the mayhem. The idea was to showcase how the region could be united in spite of the obvious turmoil present.

The week got off to an absolute flyer as the administration car park played host to an array of booths, each representing a different cultural club, each of which was aptly decorated to showcase the unique culture of that particular group. As well as some fun facts about the various destinations, each club treated the public with a taste of cuisine typical of that specific group of people, adding flavour.

On Wednesday, students took part in the annually held Parade of Nations. The atmosphere was dense with sound as the various groups lifted their voices, declaring in unwavering fashion the greatness of their various clubs. Chants could be heard from all across the campus, drawing out crowds of onlookers in vast numbers. It was truly a sight to behold.

For the first time in its history, the week of activities also included a pageant, suitably dubbed “Mr and Mrs Culture USC”. Contestants from each of the clubs (one male, one female) sought to showcase what exactly each of their territories had on offer through oral presentation, cultural wear, and various talents, presenting themselves as poster children for the greatness which the region can produce.

The week’s events culminated in a grand night of cultural display. Never before had the atmosphere in the school’s auditorium been quite like this. The noise was almost deafening and the ambience altogether hair-raising. As pageant contestants made their final appearances showcasing their cultural wear and talents for one final time, it was quite certain that the final decision would be a difficult one. After a long deliberation (with an amazing light show during the intermission), the results were finally in. “Mr and Ms Culture USC 2017” went to the dynamic duo from the Republic of Guyana, with St. Lucia reclaiming the coveted “Best Booth” award.

In retrospect, if the week’s events taught us anything at all, it would be the power of togetherness. The bonding that occurred amidst the heartache and pain simply displayed the grit and determination we have as a collective, altogether showcasing the true power of true “Uscianism”, the culture of us.

Ross Adam Parkinson, USC alumnus and gifted scholar was recently accepted to participate in the Pre-Law Summer Enrichment Programme (PLSEP) at Howard University School of Law. He is among a select group of 20 academically gifted students chosen among 2000 other applicants. Mr Parkinson, a current student at Oakwood University, USA, was also honoured for his academic achievement on April 5, 2018, at the University’s Honours Convocation Ceremony. He will begin the PLSEP on May 29, 2018.