UG gets $74M lecture theatre

Apr 02, 2017 News

The Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana can now boast of a new and modern lecture theatre. The $74M edifice was commissioned on Thursday last by Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine (right), cutting the ceremonial ribbon, with the assistance of UG’s Vice Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith (left) and Chancellor, Nigel Harris.

Given all the complaints that have, over the years, piled up about classrooms being in deplorable conditions, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said that the new lecture theatre has been designed and built in a way that would satisfy the students attending lectures.
The two-storey building, located between the Centre of Information Technology and the Cheddi B. Jagan classrooms, can accommodate approximately 150 persons on each floor.
The theatre, which is outfitted with air-conditioning units, also sports new and improved washroom facilities.
The design of the building was sketched with the university’s differently-able population in mind. To add to the already constructed ramps, Professor Griffith said that efforts are also afoot to install an elevator. This component however, will be built using supplementary funds.
“There are other works to be done,” Professor Griffith added.
He told those gathered at the commissioning, that the new building will serve as a model to those expected to be built in the future.
“We want this standard to be the bare minimal for any construction on campus,” he said.
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor noted that the institution is working to fully embrace the ‘Go Green’ concept being advocated by President David Granger.

The newly-commissioned lecture theatre.

“The plans unfolding for other construction, is going to capture that renewable energy component,” Griffith said.
Also afforded the opportunity to deliver remarks was Ron Glasgow, President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS). He began by thanking Minister Roopnaraine for going through with his promise to assist the institution with its developmental projects.
“I’d also like the thank everyone of the university community who would’ve helped to bring this building from the idea stage to the actual stage that it is at right now,” Glasgow said.
Before closing, the student representative was quick to point out the need for more modern lecture theatres in the UG Turkeyen Campus.
“I have spoken to many Deans, and we often have the issue of “never enough space,” so that’s why I’m glad to see buildings starting to pop up,” Glasgow highlighted. He went on to declare, “I know that the campus has a lot of space that we have not used, and have lost in the past.”
Glasgow said that he has genuine hope that the construction on the new lecture theatre would inspire more to come.

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