Career Diplomat and Antigua’s Ambassador to the United States, Guyanese, Sir Ronald Sanders, has been installed as the 11^th Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

The installation ceremony took place today at the University of Guyana in the presence of President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed.

In his address, President Ali praised Sir Ronald’s distinguished career in diplomacy, scholarship and public service, adding that his appointment will position the institution to become more deeply rooted in global affairs.

“Sir Ron is no stranger to this region’s development process. He is no stranger to the world of academia. He is no stranger to research. He is no stranger to diligent work and he is no stranger to transforming things, including institutions. So, I believe that at this time in our history and as the world undergoes immense change, it is appropriate that we have a bridge that would help us to navigate the changing world and the changing environment in which education must be pursued and delivered,” President Ali said.

Noting that the Office of the Chancellor is not “ornamental,” President Ali said the Chancellor is the Chief Officer of the University, and stands at the heart of the University, as he referenced Section 9 (2) of the University of Guyana Act. He said it stands also as a protector of the University’s heritage, standards, and the binding force linking generations of scholars.

The President expressed profound appreciation to Sir Ronald Saunders for accepting the high calling, adding that his long and distinguished career in diplomacy, scholarship and public service makes him more than ably qualified for the postion.

“Sir Ronald Saunders assumes his role at a critical hour in the life of this institution. Guyana stands in a season of heightened economic transformation. Our best days are no longer distant dreams; they are gathering at our doorsteps. In such a moment, the nation requires a National University of strength and stature— one that will supply a continuous crop of highly trained and skilled graduates across every discipline to propel and sustain our development,” the President said.

Sir Ronald Sanders, in his address, said he accepts the Office of Chancellor with humility, but with a clear sense of duty, and stands committed to execute his mandate.

“In accepting this office, I see my responsibility as helping to sustain the university’s integrity, its relevance, and confidence in a time of rapid national change. Guyana today stands at a hinge of history, economic possibility has widened, national expectations have risen, global competition has sharpened. In such moments, a country’s future is not secured by resources alone, it is secured by what its people know, how quickly they learn, and how effectively they apply knowledge – that is a quiet power of a university,” the Chancellor said.

A former Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, Sir Ronald holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, and has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the West Indies and an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Guyana.

He has served as Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and as Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto.

He was Rapporteur of a Special Committee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London on the future of the Commonwealth Institute and was an elected member of the Executive Board of UNESCO.

Internationally, Sir Ronald is among the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats. He is also a former radio broadcaster.

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