The University of Guyana views with deep concern the recent utterances purported to have been made by one of our young students. While we embrace the aspirations of our nation, which is founded on the values of “one people, one nation, one destiny”, we acknowledge that these incidents do not emerge in isolation. In fact, our scholars have been interrogating this persistent national problem for many decades.

The University notes that the student has already voluntarily recanted his statements and apologised publicly. We would hope that he would now be allowed to reflect and consider the consequences of his actions and to grow past this moment. Our staff will continue to work with him and any others to identify the triggers and any underlying factors to be addressed which could have led to this outburst.

The University of Guyana aspires to be a model for the nation. In doing so all our constituents, including staff and students are reminded of our values at this sad but instructive time. “UG’s” values include mutual respect and sanctity of all cultures and groups; commitment to social inclusion and protection of all forms of life; upliftment of mind, body, spirit, and of the vulnerable; adherence to the principles of fairness, highest moral, ethical and professional responsibility, and a total rejection of all forms of bigotry and discrimination.

The University would also wish to ask those sharing the video to consider not doing so. Sharing such content may have the unintended negative effect of unintentionally perpetuating those utterances and behaviours which we rightfully decry in Guyana.

We had been planning a series of internal and public interventions for the next few months and this incident has now brought them back into sharp focus.

We sincerely thank you for your understanding and responsible actions.

The University of Guyana

Transitional Management Committee (TMC)

November 6, 2019