Zig Ziglar, an American motivational speaker and author, quite perfectly said, “Patience, persistence, and perseverance are essential for achieving any goal, personal or professional.”
Mrs. Debra Brathwaite, Assistant Personnel Officer (Leave and Training), Human Resources. Management, UG
This quote aptly applies to Debra Brathwaite, who recently completed a 40-year tenure at the University of Guyana (UG).
Starting as a Typing Clerk in 1981, Brathwaite rose to the position of Assistant Personnel Officer. She became a pivotal figure in the institution’s development.
EARLY BEGINNINGS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA
This trailblazer commenced her journey at UG on November 09, 1981, in the Faculty of Arts, now known as the Faculty of Education and Humanities.
Fresh out of school, she embraced her role with enthusiasm and a desire to grow. As Brathwaite fondly remembers, the UG culture in the 1980s was exciting and engaging.
It was a very positive culture, much like the culture today. Staff clubs and various activities kept the university community united and motivated. Unlike today’s tech-dominated environment, people found time to interact with each other.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EDUCATION
Encouraged by her mentors and colleagues, Brathwaite pursued further education to advance her career.
I took a good look at where I was and where I wanted to be, and I was determined that I had to make a big impact in my career. I knew that as soon as I moved past Typist Clerk, I would be able to achieve anything I set my mind to.
Determined to progress beyond the Typist Clerk role, she balanced work, studies, and family life. She completed her studies in Public Management and her classmates’ support was invaluable, helping her stay on track despite her absences.
Her hard work and dedication led to a promotion to Admin Assistant in the Recruitment Department of the Personnel Division. Reflecting on this period, she said:
There was no way a person could be working at the University of Guyana and not develop himself or herself.
Furthermore, she continued her education in Human Resource Management at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill. She eventually became an Assistant Personnel Officer.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
Throughout her career, this trailblazer has cherished the moments that defined her journey. She takes pride in her colleagues’ achievements and celebrates their academic and professional successes.
I am proud of the performance of the staff who have studied and gained their Master’s or Doctoral degrees and returned. I am proud to have been a small part of that.
In 2022, she received a longstanding award for her four decades of dedicated service, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the nation’s premier educational institution.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As she nears retirement, Brathwaite plans to continue serving her community through various initiatives, including working with women in prison, contributing to hospital services, and engaging in church projects.
Her guiding principle has always been:
Whatever I do, I do it unto God with the understanding that in pleasing God, I will please man.
Brathwaite expresses heartfelt gratitude to her mentors, UG team members, pastor, church community, and family for their support throughout her journey.
I will continue to serve my community and country the best way I can, and UG has given me a good platform to build on to do that.
