In a move aimed at nurturing student development and fostering academic collaboration, Banks DIH Limited, Guyana’s leading beverage company, and the esteemed University of Guyana have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Thirst Park, Georgetown, heralds a new era of cooperation between these two influential entities.
The MOU, signed by Mr. Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director, and Mr. Gavin Todd, Operations Director of Banks DIH Limited, alongside Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, lays the groundwork for joint initiatives focused on enhancing student internships, academic partnerships, and knowledge transfer.
Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will explore avenues for student internships and knowledge exchange in areas of mutual interest. This collaboration is particularly significant for the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology, opening doors for students and faculty members to engage in research, training, and educational pursuits.
Speaking on the partnership, Andrew Carto expressed Banks DIH Limited’s enthusiasm for leveraging its expertise to tackle industry challenges and support educational advancement. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the growth of students and academia,” Carto remarked.
Echoing Carto’s sentiments, Gavin Todd highlighted the importance of preparing students for real-world challenges. “We are excited to formalize this collaboration, building on our legacy of nurturing talent and fostering industry-ready graduates,” Todd said, reflecting on his own positive experience as a student at Banks DIH Limited.
Professor Martin lauded Banks DIH Limited for its commitment to early student engagement, stressing the evolving dynamics of Guyana’s labor market. “This partnership underscores the need for proactive engagement with students to address emerging challenges in the workforce,” she emphasized.
The partnership received further endorsement from Professor Emanuel Cummings, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Engagement, who emphasized its potential to enhance engineering training and enrich student experiences.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Ms. Verlyn Klass, also hailed the MOU as a continuation of the longstanding collaboration between Banks DIH Limited and the University of Guyana. “This partnership reaffirms our commitment to supporting students’ professional growth and academic development,” Klass noted.
As Guyana navigates its evolving economic landscape, this collaboration between Banks DIH Limited and the University of Guyana stands as a testament to the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in driving educational excellence and fostering talent development.
