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Nicolette Fernandes, Komal Samaroo conferred with Honorary Doctorates
Legendary Squash Player, Nicolette Fernandes being conferred with her honorary doctorate at UG’s graduation ceremony on Friday.
Kaieteur News – Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Komal Samaroo and legendary squash player, Nicolette Fernandes, were conferred with honorary doctorates on Friday from the University of Guyana (UG) for their significant achievement and outstanding contribution to Guyana.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin awarded both the honorary doctorates to Ms. Fernandes and Mr. Samaroo at the university’s 59th annual graduation ceremonies which were held at its Turkeyen campus.
On Friday, the University of Guyana held its third and fourth graduation ceremonies for students of the College of Medical Sciences, College of Behaviourial Sciences and Research, Institute for Human Resiliency Strategic Security and the Future, and School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI).
Upon receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Friday morning, Fernandes said she was immensely pleased to be the first woman to be recognised through sport. She disclosed that her journey to becoming a successful squash player was not easy, noting that it involved hard work, challenges, perseverance and doubts.
“Today, I stand here aware of your efforts and your sacrifices because some of this I understand intimately, not through academics, but through sport. To be recognised with honorary doctorate by the University of Guyana today is deeply meaningful to me,” she told the graduating class of 2025.
During an emotional address, the honoree reflected on the many remarkable Guyanese women in sports whose contributions were powerful.
“These women carved a space for women like me, long before this honour was ever conceived. Their enduring work, labour, representing themselves at the hopes of Guyana, have made today possible for me and I stand here on their shoulders with deep, deep gratitude. Perhaps the time has come for us to have a roll call on Guyanese women in sport, and just as these women carved a space in sport, other women continue to carve the way in other spaces,” she stated.
She said that despite their different journeys, they have all entered spaces not designed for them. “We have challenged the expectations placed on us, which often leads to a quiet questioning of whether we truly belong, even when we are capable, even when we are prepared and even when we are deserving,” Fernandes added.
Though she said her journey was filled with doubtful moments, the sport personality said it became a driving force to one’s success.
She told the graduating class that by their graduation is testament to their hard work despite their personal struggles and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s batch of graduating students is the last cohort which faced disruptions of COVID-19 which hit Guyana back in 2020.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Komal Samaroo, was recognised by the university for his contribution of over five decades of hands-on experience in financial management, corporate leadership and international business strategy in the sugar, rum and manufacturing industries.
In his brief remarks, he thanked the university and those who contributed for the prestigious award.
“I am most thankful to the numerous young professionals and colleagues who over the decades have shared the vision and work tirelessly alongside me in pursuing ambitious and lofty goals in an increasingly unpredictable and ever-changing world. This award is on the basis of the result of great team work, commitment and talent,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his hard work and contribution to Guyana’s business community, Dr. Samaroo informed the graduates that business must not be at a standstill but must continue to grow.
“I have been very fortunate to have been involved and play a role in helping to expand and develop corporate business sector in Guyana that I have outlined here tonight. Business is not a standstill, it must continue to grow, expand and innovate, creating more opportunities for young Guyanese like those of you who are graduating here tonight,” he expressed.
Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL) Komal Samaroo being conferred with his honorary doctorate at UG’s graduation ceremony on Friday.
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