Latest update March 8th, 2026 4:01 PM
Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin to step down from post
(Kaieteur News) – The first woman appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, will be stepping down from her position later this year.
Credible sources have indicated that Dr. Mohamed-Martin is expected to leave the post by mid-year, after holding the position for six years, official announcement has not yet been made.
The development comes shortly after Sir Ronald Sanders was officially installed as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana on February 13 during a ceremony held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin
During his inaugural address, Chancellor Sanders spoke about the importance of universities in shaping society.
“I accept the office as Chancellor of the University of Guyana with humility but with a clear sense of duty,” he said. “Universities exist to prepare a society for the world it is entering. Each of the chancellors who preceded me understood the importance of that fundamental truth.”
He added that he was mindful of the legacy of those who previously held the role.
“I am deeply conscious that I follow an impressive line of former chancellors. I shall endeavour to emulate the vision, integrity and public service that marked their example,” Sanders stated.
Following reports of Dr. Mohamed-Martin’s impending departure, Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Ganesh Mahipaul, described the move as a significant loss for the institution.
In a statement, Mahipaul said Dr. Mohamed-Martin provided steady leadership during some of the university’s most challenging periods.
“Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, as the first female Vice Chancellor, provided strong and steady leadership during what were some of the most difficult years for our university,” he said.
Mahipaul noted that leading a national university during times of financial constraints, institutional challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, and national transformation required resilience and vision.
“Over the past seven years, she demonstrated those qualities,” he added.
He also pointed to her role as a prominent example of female leadership in Guyana.
“At a time when representation and strong role models matter, Dr. Mohamed-Martin showed that competent, principled, and visionary leadership can move institutions forward even under pressure,” he said.
Mahipaul further warned that the loss of experienced leadership at this stage could affect the university’s progress.
“Losing experienced leadership like Mohamed-Martin at this stage risks setting the institution a step backward just when it needs to continue building momentum,” he stated.
He concluded by thanking her for her service.
“Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin helped guide the University of Guyana through challenging years and laid important foundations for the future. For that, she deserves recognition and gratitude.
Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, thank you for your service to the University of Guyana and to our country. Continue to shine, Doc. Your contribution to higher education in Guyana will not be forgotten,” Mahipaul said.
In June 2020, Dr. Mohamed-Martin was appointed the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
According to information released by the university at the time, she was educated at the University of Guyana, Harvard University, and University of the West Indies.
Her doctoral specialisation focuses on social and behavioural change, particularly how communicative and cultural aspects of life influence societal transformation.
Dr. Mohamed-Martin’s research on social media has attracted international attention. As an academic and creative professional, she has produced or co-produced more than 22 films and documentaries, written or edited 11 books, and published numerous journal articles. Her work has earned several prestigious recognitions in Guyana and across the Caribbean.
During her career at the University of Guyana, she has served as Director of the Centre for Communication Studies, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE). She also teaches communication research and health behaviour.
Mohamed-Martin succeeded Professor Ivelaw Griffith, whose contract as Vice Chancellor ended in June 2019 after serving in the role from 2016.
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