On Tuesday night, September 11th, several guests were entertained on the lawn of Government House in Old Ta in an ambience of congratulations in honour of Delon Skellekie and Jamila Gumbs. There, a special ceremony was held to say farewell to these two scholars who had been the successful applicants for the coveted Chevening Scholarship.
Chevening is the UK Government’s awards program, established since 1983, aimed at developing global leaders. It is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations and offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world, to develop academically and professionally.
His Excellency Governor, Tim Foy, invited a round of applause from the guests for the achievement of Mr. Skellekie and Ms. Gumbs. He then told the successful awardees: “Every year, there is at least 50,000 candidates who apply for Chevening scholarships. Only 5,000 persons are interviewed and just 1,700 are actually selected. This means that since you have been chosen, you are in the top three percent of all who have applied. This is a great achievement.”
The Governor then emphasized the hallmarks of Chevening’s mantra and his expectations of Mr. Skellekie and Ms. Gumbs, stating: “I wish to remind you of what the British Government’s stated objective of this scholarship is. It is ‘to build a network of friends of the UK who will be future leaders in their countries.’ So I will be watching your developments very closely.”
His Excellency then went on to extend a cordial “welcome back” to the 2016-2017 scholars who had completed studies. They were: Carencia Rouse who pursued a Master of Science degree in Nature and Environmental Governance; Sharmer Fleming who attained a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy; Marejah Smith who accomplished a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance; and Marvin Lake who achieved a Master’s degree in Educational Planning, Economics and International Development. In addition, the Governor recognized the Chevening Scholars presently pursuing studies. They are: Jobern Gumbs, Rodwell Grant and Joleyne Robin.
The Governor finally commented: “It is fantastic that so many people have gotten the opportunity go on Chevening studies. Anguilla, proportionally, does excellently in terms of producing students that meet the grade.”
Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, in her capacity as Minister of Education, also heartily congratulated the awardees: “I bring greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Government of Anguilla. Congratulations to our Chevening scholars. Chevening scholars should not just be recognized for what they would achieve coming out of the scholarship program, but what they have attained going into it.
“Each Chevening scholar would have become eligible to apply for a Chevening scholarship based on the fact that they would have already put in three to four years of hard work to attain a first degree. There is therefore a great expectation for Chevening scholars, not only in terms of what they have accomplished, and what is expected of them upon their return, but also I would encourage all local Chevening scholars to come back and try to help a young person to walk in their footsteps.”
Taking the podium, Mr. Skellekie, among other things, spoke highly of the nurturing he received from his parents, which contributed to his success for acceptance in the Chevening program. He noted: “My remarks would be more like a ‘Vote of Thanks’. I would like to say thanks to everyone who had a hand in helping me to get this far. First, I would want to say a hearty thanks to my parents. Sonia and Michael Skellekie, thank you so much. Without you I would not be standing here. (Audience responded with applause.) Besides their most tangible contributions, over the years my parents have helped to mold and nurture me into the person that I have become today. They have particularly contributed to my development by providing me with moral support.
“I would also like to thank Mr. Cardigan Connor who has done so much to develop my skills as an avid cricketer. To my wife Cheryl and my children Michael and Maylia, thanks for your kind support also.” He then expressed regret that his family was not able to make the trip to the UK with him, but he said he looked forward to re-joining them after a year.
The other awardee, Ms. Jamila Gumbs, also expressed thanks to those who had been instrumental in her upbringing, and those who had contributed to her success as a Chevening scholar: “First and foremost, I would like to thank God for His favour on my life and for blessing me with ‘four’ awesome parents — Eilene Connor, Kevin Connor, Sandra York-Gumbs and Kenneth Gumbs who is looking down on me from ‘above’. I would also like to thank the rest of my family, my friends, and my awesome support team, at the Ministry of Finance, for their never-failing encouragement.
“In addition, I would like to thank the Governor’s Office, the FCO and the Chevening Secretariat for selecting me as one of the 2018-2019 potential scholars. I consider this as a very valuable opportunity. Chevening is an institute of high prestige that aims to develop future leaders and influencers. It is, therefore, a great honour for me to be a part of such a highly esteemed list of students.”
Both awardees, as well as Governor Foy, gave much thanks to Ms. Latoya Scarbro for the essential part she has played in running the scheme, making pertinent arrangements and coordinating registration.
Delon Skellekie and Jamila Gumbs expect to take up their studies in the UK later this month.
