GSA marks 60 years of agricultural excellence

Oct 24, 2025 News

---

—84 graduates poised to drive Guyana’s food revolution

(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) on Wednesday celebrated a historic milestone- its 60th Graduation Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, marking six decades of excellence in agricultural education and training.

A total of 84 students, 40 males and 44 females graduated with diplomas and certificates across multiple disciplines, reaffirming GSA’s role as a cornerstone in advancing food security, innovation, and agricultural development in Guyana and across the Caribbean, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, congratulated the graduates and underscored their pivotal role in Guyana’s ongoing agricultural transformation. “Since its founding in 1963, the Guyana School of Agriculture has been dedicated to providing high-quality agricultural education and practical training through its diploma and certificate programmes in Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Health, Veterinary Public Health, Fisheries, and Agro-Processing,” Minister Mustapha said.

“Through collaboration with agencies like NAREI, the Ministry of Agriculture, and CARICOM partners, GSA is helping to drive the region’s goal of reducing the food import bill by 25% by 2025.”

The Minister commended the graduates for their resilience and adaptability, urging them to embrace modern tools and technologies reshaping the global agricultural landscape. “You are graduating at a time of transformation,” he said. “Technologies like hydroponics, drone mapping, tunnel houses, digital extension services, and bio-based fertilisers such as nano-urea are no longer futuristic — they’re realities being implemented right here in Guyana.”

He noted that the government continues to invest heavily in research and development, irrigation upgrades, agro-processing hubs, and value-added production. Mustapha also highlighted GSA’s growing regional footprint, with students from Grenada and St. Lucia among this year’s cohort, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing scholarships and training opportunities to other CARICOM nationals. Under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Minister said, GSA has expanded its academic offerings, introducing the Certificate in Livestock Production and Management, a new, hands-on programme targeting students from hinterland and rural communities.

Delivering the charge to the graduates, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, praised their commitment and urged them to apply their skills in service of national development. “Agriculture has carried this country long before the discovery of oil,” Minister Parag declared. “Your training must now serve the nation, whether in animal health, forestry, or agro-processing. It is through your work that Guyana will continue to grow as a food-secure and self-sufficient country.”

She reminded graduates that the agriculture sector remains a key pillar of Guyana’s diversification strategy, driving sustainable growth and opportunity beyond oil and gas. The event celebrated not only academic success but also GSA’s enduring legacy of producing industry-ready professionals who are leading efforts to modernise agriculture and strengthen Guyana’s position as the region’s food-production powerhouse.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Shannon Wilson of Ithaca Village on the West Bank of Berbice is ready to put his knowledge and skills to work in advancing Guyana’s agriculture sector. Wilson is among the 84 graduates. The Department of Public Information (DPI) interviewed Wilson about the challenges he faced during his journey. He explained that early mornings and late nights created a challenging cycle that could have only been conquered with a disciplined mindset. “The government’s investments are just encouraging…and it feels great that I’m now moving on to greater things in life…Agriculture provides a foundation, so even if you want to branch off into other areas of study, agriculture would be a very good point to start.”

Wilson plans to improve his diploma and continue his studies at university while helping his community and country grow the food sector. Alyah McDonald is a graduate excited to take on challenges in agriculture and says she values the government’s support.

“It’s a great support and initiative that is happening so that young people can also own businesses, explore and bring (revenues) into their environment and communities,” McDonald said. The graduates earned diplomas in animal health, veterinary public health, and agriculture, along with certificates in forestry and agro-processing.

---

• agriculture, Guyana School of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

---