The University of Guyana has been honored with the William J. Perry Center Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education. Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot extended her congratulations to the faculty and staff of the university for their achievement. She also commended President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, his government, and Brigadier Omar Khan for their efforts in establishing a critical curriculum aimed at equipping future leaders to tackle security challenges.
President Ali, an alumnus of the Perry Center, was recognized for his leadership during the security crisis in Haiti. Ambassador Theriot applauded him for his efforts to address this issue, noting her own experience living and working in Haiti until July 2022.
Ambassador Theriot also expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff of the Perry Center and the Inter-American Defense College who traveled to Guyana to present the award. She highlighted that Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Philips is among the distinguished alumni present at the event.
Reflecting on Guyana's emergence on the global stage, Ambassador Theriot recounted President Ali's inquiry about balancing growth with security threats, which led to the creation of UG’s Masters of Science in Strategic Development Studies program. The program was developed within six months in 2021 and welcomed its first students by March 2022. Less than three years later, it produced its first 16 graduates.
The award signifies collaboration between Guyana and the United States towards regional prosperity and peace. The U.S., through its government and institutions like the Perry Center, provided support and expertise in developing UG’s master’s program.
Ambassador Theriot emphasized that UG’s students are foundational to this success, inspiring others with their commitment to knowledge and development. She stressed that nurturing talent is crucial for Guyana's continued growth amid global challenges such as those faced by Ukraine, Gaza, Trinidad and Tobago.
She concluded by affirming that collaboration between Guyana and the United States will continue across various sectors, particularly defense and security. The ambassador expressed excitement about witnessing their shared future unfold.