University of Guyana Announces Recipients of Honorary Doctorates 2025

(University of Guyana, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, November 17, 2025, University of Guyana Announces Recipients of Honorary Doctorates 2025)  

The University of Guyana is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of its Honorary Doctorates for 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions to Guyana, the Caribbean region, and the world. This year’s honourees represent excellence in business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education, embodying the University’s commitment to national development, innovation, and cultural pride.

2025 Honorary Doctorate Awardees

Sir Ronald Sanders

Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States for Antigua and Barbuda, is a transformative figure in diplomacy, business, and academia. He has led missions resolving constitutional impasses, contributed to Commonwealth reform, and served on distinguished international boards. His career reflects a commitment to diplomacy, good governance, and Caribbean advancement.  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Social Sciences on Saturday. November 22nd  at 9pm.  

Mr. Komal Samaroo

Mr. Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL), is a pillar of Guyana’s business community and an international leader in the banking, trade, shipping and distilling industry. With over 50 years of service, his visionary leadership transformed DDL into a globally respected enterprise, including the recently established World Trade Centre in Guyana, to new and innovative projects under current development. Mr. Samaroo’s contributions extend to regional integration, notably as former Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association, where he pioneered the “Authentic Caribbean Rum” mark. He is also recognized for his commitment to corporate social responsibility, supporting education, health, and youth development. Mr. Samaroo is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA, UK) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (ACIS, UK), exemplifying corporate excellence and inspiring future generations.  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of School for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) on Friday November 21st at 4pm.  

Ms. Nicolette Fernandes

Ms. Nicolette Fernandes is Guyana’s most decorated, resilient and successful professional female squash player, achieving a historic world ranking of No. 19 and winning gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006. Her career, marked by resilience and determination, includes overcoming a major injury to return and win multiple World Masters titles in 2022 and 2024. Fernandes remains a dedicated advocate for women in leadership and a role model for athletes, contributing significantly to national development and the global sporting community.  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of College of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future on Friday November 21st at 9am.  

Mr. Egbert ‘Bert’ Carter

Mr. Egbert Carter’s illustrious career in civil engineering, environmental planning, and heritage preservation spans more than six decades. His work includes the Berbice River Bridge, the CBJ Lecture Building at the University of Guyana. His work and civic minded contributions have shaped Guyana’s infrastructure, including landmark projects in Georgetown, national drainage systems, and cultural sites. Carter’s voluntary service includes restoring historic landmarks and mentoring future engineers. His unwavering dedication exemplifies patriotism, integrity, and service to Guyana. This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCE on Thursday, November 20th at 9am. 

Ms. Grace Nichols

Ms. Grace Nichols, acclaimed poet and author, has been central to Caribbean and British literary landscapes for over four decades. Her works, including “I is a Long Memoried Woman” and “Passport to Here and There,” explore themes of migration, heritage, and resilience. Nichols’s children’s literature and poetry continue to bridge cultures and generations, celebrating the Guyanese experience and diaspora.

Mr. John Agard

Mr. John Agard, renowned poet and playwright, is celebrated for his innovative use of Guyanese Creole and English, creating a powerful literary voice that resonates globally. His performances, publications, and educational roles have enriched Caribbean and British cultural spheres, inspiring a diverse audience and championing language as a tool for unity and expression. Both John Agard and Grace Nichols have been highly decorated and awarded by the British Government over their long and distinguished careers.  The awards for Grace Nichols and John Agard will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday. November 22nd  at 9am.  

Mr. Mohindra Persaud

Mr. Mohindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, is a trailblazer in agricultural innovation, rural development, and philanthropy. Under his leadership, the Nand Persaud Group has modernized rice production, supported food security, and uplifted communities especially in region 6 through education, youth engagement, and environmental stewardship. His dedication to sustainable agriculture and partnership with educational institutions aligns with Guyana’s vision for growth and green development.  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Thursday, November 20th   at 4pm.  

Mr. Terry Gajraj

Mr. Terry Gajraj, iconic singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador, has advanced Guyanese music by fusing Indian folk with Caribbean rhythms into the infectious and often humorous Chutney genre. His international success and mentorship have opened doors for emerging artists and promoted Guyanese culture worldwide. Gajraj’s charitable work in education, health, and technology has positively impacted countless lives, reinforcing his role as a transformative creative leader.  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Education and Humanities on Saturday, November 22nd at 9am.  

Professor Clement Sankat

Professor Clement K. Sankat’s distinguished career in engineering education and research has shaped technical advancement across the Caribbean most notably at the level of the University in Trinidad and Tobago and Belize. As Director of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. in Berbice, he leads efforts to prepare skilled professionals for Guyana’s dynamic economy. Sankat’s commitment to agricultural innovation, vocational training, and academic excellence supports Guyana’s rapid transformation and future-ready workforce .  This award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology and IDCE on Thursday, November 20th at 9am.  

Celebrating Excellence and National Pride

The University of Guyana congratulates all 2025 Honorary Doctorate recipients for their remarkable achievements and lifelong dedication. Their work exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, and service, inspiring the next generation of Guyanese and Caribbean citizens. The University looks forward to honouring these outstanding individuals at its upcoming convocation ceremonies beginning Thursday, November 20, 2025, through Saturday November 22nd, 2025.  

The Selection Process  

Selection for honorary awardees is made over a year-long process. Nominations for honorary doctorates are made through an academic division within the University at least one year in advance of the award to allow for the shortlisting, 5 approval steps and background research to be robustly conducted. Individuals receiving this symbolic gesture of excellence must have been nominated and must exemplify decades of consistent excellence in their areas of service. Submissions are made through the University honours and awards portal on its website https://uog.edu.gy/nomination-honorary-degree.  

This year 27 excellent submissions were considered from which the 9 choices were determined since only a limited number of awards can be made each year. Nominations from previous years are eligible for consideration in subsequent years. The University is grateful for the contributions of all those who would have made submissions as well as the diligent work of the 4 committees which worked on research, validations and approvals.

The University will graduate 3700 students from 180 diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes this graduation season. The public is invited to view the conferral of awards at this year’s ceremonies at 9 am and 4pm from November 20 to 22nd for Georgetown and December 6th Berbice live on the University’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uniofguyana and UG Broadcasting Service at https://broadcasting.uog.edu.gy/.