Twelve Guyanese awarded opportunity to study in the UK

– Scholars urged to return home and contribute to developing the nation

September 14, 2015 | By KNews | Filed Under News, Source

Even as 12 Guyanese scholars embark on a journey to study in the United Kingdom, they are being urged to return home and direct their skills towards the development of the nation.

This was a challenge given by Attorney-at-law and former Chevening Scholar, Gino Persaud, at the reception ceremony for the Chevening awardees held last Thursday.

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. The recipients of the programme are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world. Scholarships are offered to overseas students in over 150 countries to study in Britain. Chevening Scholarships offered to Guyanese scholars afford them the opportunity to earn a one year Masters at any UK University.

While stressing the importance of returning to develop the country, Persaud noted that many Chevening Scholars no longer live in Guyana.
He explained that “some migrated over time (while) others left these shores within an indecent short space of time upon completion of studies.”

“A few never came back at all.  Guyana is a developing country with anextraordinary high rate of brain drain.  Many of our graduates and skilled young people leave.  As Chevening Scholars you are expected to make a tangible contribution towards the reduction of the brain drain phenomenon,” Persaud noted.

As such, he opined that a commitment by a scholar to return to Guyana to serve and work towards national development is also a decision made with ethical considerations and driven by the “moral imperative.”

“I wish to throw out to you a few challenges on your return to Guyana.  As Chevening Scholars with newly acquired skills, you will be more equipped than others, with the intellectual capital, the authority and the wherewithal to challenge the status quo and make a difference,” he told the awardees.

During his remarks, the Director of anti-corruption body, Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) also urged the scholars to hold the new government accountable.

“You will now be additional guardians charged with preserving, protecting, promoting and improving upon our fledgling and fragile democracy. Stake your claim in this journey of nation building,” Persaud charged, adding that Guyana needs a new political culture.

This year, Guyanese awardees include Tiffany Castello- LLM in International Human Rights Law at Brunel University;  Mark Greene- MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham;    Alicia Primo- LLM in Law and Economics at University of Reading;   Dr. Quincy Jones- MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine;  Mr. Amir Dillawar- MSc in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems at University of Leeds; Vivianna Critchlow – MSc in Hydrogeology and Water Management at Newcastle University;    Omattie Madray- MSc. in Conflict, Displacement and Human Security at the University of East London;    Dinesh Persaud- MSc in Web Technology from the University of Southampton;  Mrs. Abbygale Jeffrey-Alvin- MSc in Cardiology at Canterbury Christ Church University; Ms. Denise Jourdain- MA in Childhood and Youth Studies; Mr. Cleveland Sullivan- MSc in Computing at the University of Dundee and  Mr. Vishal Persaud- MSc in Energy and the Environment at the University of Leeds.