I stand with our first ever female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana

Dear Editor,

It is my pleasure to congratulate Professor Paloma Mohammed-Martin, Ph.D., A.A. on her appointment as the 11th Vice-Chancellor, and more specifically, as the first woman Vice-Chancellor ever contracted by the University of Guyana. What a unique moment in history! A lady of class and elegance, a woman who has dedicated her life to serving this nation and in turn has transformed tens of thousands of University level students in Guyana and other countries.

At this juncture, I also wish to state that while I may agree with my friend Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill in some aspects of what is happening in reality in Guyana, I disagree with the fact that he mentioned the name of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana. This to me was very painful for a lady of such class and dignified personality.

My understanding is that her appointment was pending since 2019 and it is not by the selection of the Government acting/caretaker-mode but by a point system based on merit for which she topped all the other applicants. Her appointment coincidentally occurred at the same moment. Very much the way my retirement from RK’s Guyana Security Services coincides with the transition of a new Government and many people believe that I have been promised some ministerial position by the government of Guyana – which is not the case. It is all just a mere incident in destiny or faith as you may have it.

So, I believe that the Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill owes an apology to this lady whom I have always held in high esteem as a patriot and professional. One who educates and serves people without a political thought or idea and bereft of ethnic proprieties. She is a true Guyanese in her makeup, her desire, and her penchant to serve.

I do believe that several other appointments are questionable but definitely not this one. Therefore, Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, let us applaud her, let us not humiliate and distance her. She needs her energies and resources at this important position when Guyana is transitioning to become one of the wealthiest countries in the world whereby we will have more universities and/or campuses established. Let us embrace her – symbolically – pray for her, and honor her. It is a fact that wherever women administrate and manage, there is always less corruption and better administration; be it institutions of learning, management, or be it as Heads of States.

Please let this young woman enjoy her time in service to the University of Guyana and the peoples of Guyana. Let us see what revolutionary ideas she will bring to education in Guyana. Let us witness the wonders and the powers of a woman’s contribution to education.

My friend and brother, Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, instead of berating her, I beseech you to let us pray for her success and her prosperity to make Guyana a better place for us and our children.

Yours truly,
Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.