University of Guyana Graduates Overcome Hardship to Earn Class of 2026 Degrees

University of Guyana graduate Nasiya Siara Somra overcame the loss of her father, Raymond Somra, who died in the MV Barima capsizing in July 2026, to complete her final assignment and exam. With support from UG, her family and the H.E.A.R.T. Initiative, she finished her entrepreneurship degree and will graduate in November.

Several University of Guyana Class of 2026 graduates are the first in their families to earn university degrees, overcoming motherhood, work, poor internet access and financial hardship. Among them are Vanisha Ramnauth-Pegues, Zhane David, Teesha Ellis, Rachel Leacock and Shenel Barnes, whose achievements highlight how higher education is reaching families and communities across Guyana.

After losing her husband in an April 2025 accident, University of Guyana nursing student Stacey Boatswain leaned on her children, faith, friends and campus support to finish her degree despite deep grief. She will graduate on November 17, 2026, a milestone that underscores the importance of mental health support and community help for bereaved families in Guyana.

Nurse Stacey Boatswain will graduate from the University of Guyana on November 17, 2026, after completing her nursing degree while grieving the sudden death of her husband in April 2025. With support from family, friends, lecturers and colleagues, she continued her studies, sought counselling, and says finishing the programme is a way to honour his encouragement.

Four sets of siblings will graduate together at the University of Guyana’s 60th Convocation this November, marking a milestone built on shared sacrifice, encouragement and family support. Among them are medical and law graduates Kyle and Ashley Stephney, and engineering brothers Javid and Navid Hussain, while other sisters are also crossing the stage together. The convocation, with more than 3,700 graduands, highlights UG’s role in changing family futures across Guyana.

Several University of Guyana Class of 2026 graduates will be the first in their families to earn degrees, after balancing work, parenting and financial hardship. Among them are Vanisha Ramnauth-Pegues, Zhane David, Shenel Barnes and others who say their achievements honour family sacrifices and set an example for younger relatives across Guyana.

Several University of Guyana Class of 2026 graduates from remote communities overcame poor internet, transport costs and family responsibilities to finish their degrees. Among them are Teesha Ellis of Toka, Rachel Leacock of Sand Hills, Kathyanna Gomez of the Lower Pomeroon, and Talesha Hudson, showing how distance and limited resources still shape access to higher education in Guyana.