Making the presentation on behalf of the group at the simple ceremony held in the auditorium of the Tain compound was Mr Latchman Hiralall, an oversea-based Guyanese and committee member of the organisation.

He explained that the gesture, which will be awarded annually, is to be named respectively after Harkess Raghubir, Badrinarine Rupram and the Baichoo families, all former residents of Johns, Port Mourant, Corentyne. The families migrated 35 years ago.

Mr Rishee S. Thakur, who accepted the grant on behalf of the University, expressed gratitude to the Association for its timely offer.

Since its opening in November 2000, the Tain Campus has displayed significant growth in its student population.

In 2000, 135 students were registered, there were144 in 2001 and 177 for the 2002/2003 academic year.

With the degree programmes on the way, 52 students have already registered in the fields of Education and Public Management.