“True power is not hidden in shadows. It walks into the room, meets the challenge eye to eye, and says, ‘Let’s get to work.’”

My Fellow Miconians, Esteemed Academic, Administrative, and Ancillary Staff – The baton has been passed, and I am ready to run.

Today, I assume office as President of The Mico University College Guild of Students for the 2025–2026 academic year with one unshakable promise: the voice you have entrusted to me will never be silent, and the trust you have placed in me will never be taken for granted.

This role is not a ceremonial title to wear with prestige; it is a responsibility to carry with courage, integrity, and action. You have placed your confidence, your trust, and your hopes in my hands. I commit to leading with the strength to speak when it matters, act when it counts, and deliver when it is needed most.

I step into this position not as a newcomer to service, but as one shaped by it. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as Deputy CTD, Commissioner of External Relations, and Vice President of Student Services and Communication. In boardrooms and classrooms, during triumphs and trials, I have represented your interests. I have listened, I have learned, and I have fought for the change you deserve.

Some believe true power stays quiet. I believe true power shows up, stands firm, and works tirelessly in the open for those it serves. Power is not proven in silence—it is proven in service. That will define this Guild’s tenure.

To our academic, administrative, and ancillary staff, I recognize you as partners in the student experience. Though our responsibilities differ, our purpose is shared: the success and well-being of every student. I look forward to working with you in the spirit of respect, collaboration, and progress.

To my fellow students, you are the heartbeat of The Mico. Every voice, every dream, and every ambition matters in the work we will do this year. This Guild belongs to you. Your concerns will be heard, your rights defended, and your welfare championed with relentless determination.

My vision is clear and uncompromising:

  • A Guild that puts students first—always.
  • A campus environment where concerns are addressed promptly and decisively.
  • Stronger connections between the Guild and the wider student body through open communication and genuine engagement.
  • Initiatives that deliver lasting impact, not just short-term fixes.

This year, the Guild will be visible, vocal, and vital. We will not shrink into the background or wait for change—we will drive it. Our success will not be measured in promises, but in results you can see and feel.

But this is not my journey alone. I call on each of you: bring your ideas, your energy, your criticisms, and your hopes. Stand with me, work with me, challenge me, and together, let us build a year that will be remembered long after we have moved on.

Once a Miconian, always a Miconian. This year, let us show the world exactly why that name commands respect.

Richardo Forrester
President, Guild of Students 2025–2026