UG to award doctorates to Sanders, Samaroo, Fernandes and others

Nov 19, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Several deserving individuals, well established in their respective fields, will be conferred with honorary doctorates from the University of Guyana (UG) at its two-day 2025 graduation ceremony this year.

The cohort, recognised for their significant achievements and contribution to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the wider world, was drawn from the disciplines of business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education.

In a release, the university announced that “this year’s honorees represent excellence in embodying the university’s commitment to national development, innovation, and cultural pride.”

Making the illustrious list are Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Nicolette Fernandes, Egbert Carter, Grace Nichols, John Agard, Mohindra Persaud, Terry Gajraj, and Clement Sankat.

Sir Ronald Sanders

Current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organisation of American States for Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Ronald Sanders has been hailed a “transformative figure in diplomacy, business, and academia,” who has been instrumental in resolving constitutional conflicts through missions he led. “His career reflects a commitment to diplomacy, good governance, and Caribbean advancement,” the university submitted. Sanders will be conferred his doctorate at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Social Sciences on Saturday, November 22.

The embassy in Antigua and Barbuda noted that the award, together with a recently conferred honorary doctor of letters (D.Litt) from the University of the West Indies, underlines his regional standing as one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats and public intellectuals.

Reacting to the announcement, Sir Ronald said he was “deeply honoured to receive this distinction from Guyana’s national university.”

Mr. Komal Samaroo

The executive chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL) has been recognised as a foundation of the local business community, and an international leader in the banking, trade, shipping and distilling industry. Samaroo holds over 50 years of service, during which his visionary leadership catapulted DDL to the world stage as a respected enterprise. He will receive his award at the graduation ceremony of School for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) on Friday, November 21.

Ms. Nicolette Fernandes

Dubbed the ‘Squash Queen’, Fernandes is Guyana’s most decorated and successful professional female squash player, achieving a historic world ranking of No. 19 and winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006, and securing multiple world masters titles in 2022 and 2024. Her award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of College of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future on Friday, November 21.

Mr. Egbert ‘Bert’ Carter

Mr. Egbert Carter’s illustrious career in civil engineering, environmental planning, and heritage preservation spans more than six decades. His work includes the Berbice River Bridge, the CBJ Lecture Building at the University of Guyana. He will be awarded at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCE on Thursday, November 20.

Ms. Grace Nichols

Ms. Grace Nichols is a celebrated poet and author who has been central to Caribbean and British literary landscapes for over four decades. Her works, including “I is a Long Memoried Woman” and “Passport to Here and There,” explore themes of migration, heritage, and resilience. Nichols’s children’s literature and poetry continue to bridge cultures and generations, celebrating the Guyanese experience and diaspora.

Mr. John Agard

Mr. John Agard, renowned poet and playwright, is acclaimed for his innovative use of Guyanese Creole and English, creating a powerful literary voice that resonates globally. His performances, publications, and educational roles have enriched Caribbean and British cultural spheres. Both John Agard and Grace Nichols have been highly decorated and awarded by the British Government over their long and distinguished careers. Both Nichols and Agard will be awarded at the graduation ceremonies of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday, November 22.

Mr. Mohindra Persaud

Mr. Mohindra Persaud is the Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, regarded as a trailblazer in agricultural innovation, rural development, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, the Nand Persaud Group has modernized rice production, supported food security, and uplifted communities especially in region 6 through education, youth engagement, and environmental stewardship. His honorary doctorate will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, on Thursday, November 20.

Mr. Terry Gajraj

Terry Gajraj is renowned throughout the Caribbean and beyond for his iconic Chutney and Soca hits as a singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador, advancing Guyanese music by fusing Indian folk with Caribbean rhythms into the infectious and often humorous Chutney genre. Gajraj will be awarded at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday, November 22.

Professor Clement Sankat

Professor Clement K. Sankat’s distinguished career in engineering education and research has shaped technical advancement across the Caribbean most notably at the level of the University in Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. As Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. in Berbice, he leads efforts to prepare skilled professionals for Guyana’s dynamic economy. He receives his award at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCE on Thursday, November 20.

The university stated that the recipients’ work “exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, and service, inspiring the next generation of Guyanese and Caribbean citizens.”

The selection of honorary awardees undergoes a year-long process, during which nominations for honorary doctorates are made via an academic division within the university at least one year in advance of the award to allow for the shortlisting.

“This year, 27 excellent submissions were considered from which the 9 choices were determined since only a limited number of awards can be made each year. Nominations from previous years are eligible for consideration in subsequent years,” UG noted.
A total of 3700 students will be graduating from 180 diploma, degree and post graduate programmes this graduation season.

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• doctorate, Komal Samaroo, Mahendra Persaud, Nicolette Fernandes, Sir. Ronald Sanders, Terry Gajraj, UG

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