New UGSS Council sworn in

Mar 16, 2026 News

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…reelected President Tirishatha Semple pledges continued service to students

(Kaieteur News) – A new Council of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) was officially sworn in last Wednesday  at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, with returning President Ms. Tirishatha Semple beginning her second term at the helm of the student body.

The ceremony, held in the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Building, brought together university administrators, student leaders and members of the campus community to witness the installation of the new council, several of whom are returning alongside the president to continue their work in advancing the interests of the University’s more than 16,000 students.

In a press release UG said, university officials commended Ms. Semple and the past council members for the work accomplished during the last term and encouraged the new council to embrace leadership through service. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin congratulated the new council for stepping forward to lead and for earning the confidence of their fellow students. “First, I would like to congratulate you all, first, for your courage to step up. The university has about 16,000 students who placed their confidence in you and that confidence must never be betrayed,” the Vice-Chancellor said as she encouraged the council to adopt the principles of servant leadership.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of student leaders, Professor Mohamed-Martin reminded the council that their work must always centre on the students they represent. “… you are never performing for the office you are in, nor are you performing for yourself; you are performing for the students who elected you. So, when you leave this office, you must leave something behind that is tangible, not only those you have touched, but those who you have performed for, those who saw you as a model,” Vice-Chancellor urged.

According to the ministry, the VC further acknowledged the leadership of President Semple, congratulating her on the work accomplished during her first term and expressing confidence in her continued leadership. Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande reminded the newly elected representatives that leadership often comes with challenges but must always be grounded in service to others. “Leadership can, at times, be a very lonely experience, but you are being elected by your peers and I want you to take the opportunity to reflect on this important leadership role that you are going to be embarking on. I want to urge that you see it as an excellent opportunity for service. Leadership is always about service and in your various capacities, I want you to be examples and models to the entire student population,” Dr. Gravesande told the members of the council.

Returning UGSS President, Ms. Tirishatha Semple, signs the Oath of Office during the installation ceremony held at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. In her address, President Ms. Tirishatha Semple expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the student body. “First, let me say how truly grateful and honoured I am to stand here today as I begin my second term as President of the University of Guyana Student Society.

Serving the students of the University of Guyana has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and to be given the opportunity to continue serving you all for another term is something I deeply appreciate and certainly do not take lightly,” UGSS president shared.

She acknowledged the support of the outgoing council and student leaders who worked collaboratively to implement initiatives across both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses. “Leadership is never a one-person show. It takes a team. It takes dedication, collaboration, and sometimes a lot of late nights trying to figure out how to turn ideas into reality,” Semple noted.

Reflecting on the past year, the president highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the council. Among them was the UGSS Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium, which was hosted at both campuses and the launch of the UGSS Washroom Amenities Project, ensuring that essential hygiene products were available in washrooms across both campuses. Through partnerships with Sterling Products Limited Guyana, Sami Distribution and Women’s Haven Guyana, sanitary products, hand sanitizers, soap and toilet paper were supplied regularly to support students.

Another initiative introduced was the UGSS Water Dispenser Project, which installed water dispensers across both campuses. Additionally, the UGSS president shared that the past council also supported student parents through a Backpack Distribution Initiative, which saw 150 backpacks filled with school supplies distributed to the children of university students. “Many of our students are not just students, they are parents, workers and providers for their families. UGSS recognises that reality, and through initiatives like this we try to support our students wherever we can,” Semple further stated.

Looking ahead, President Semple outlined several initiatives planned for the new term. Among them is the transformation of the UGSS Building into a central student hub with study areas, recreational spaces and improved facilities for student activities.

Plans are also underway to expand sports opportunities and introduce a UG Steel Orchestra in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Further initiatives include the introduction of a Dormitory Support Programme, which will provide monthly food and laundry hampers to students residing in the university dormitories, and continued advocacy for improved learning environments, including air-conditioned classrooms. The installation ceremony of the UGSS Council was chaired by Senior Assistant Registrar, Student Welfare, Dr Daniella King, who also added her words of congratulations to the members urging them to do the best they can in fulfilling their mandate as student leaders.

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• Paloma Mohamed Martin, student body, Tirishatha Semple, University of Guyana

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