On Friday morning, September 11th, family members and friends of Ms. Joanne Snagg and Ms. Kemba Hughes, who were awarded the prestigious Chevening scholarships to study in the UK, gathered in the Conference Room at Government House, Old Ta, to officially bid them farewell.
Organizing the event was Ms. Latoya Scarbro, Chevening Officer/Coordinator, who gave a cordial welcome to the dignitaries and all in attendance, including the current Chevening scholars, Ms. Arlette Richardson and Ms. Vanisha Proctor. These two have had their classroom sessions in the UK interrupted as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, and they returned home to complete their dissertations.
Before handing over to HE Governor Foy, Ms. Scarbro noted: “The Chevening selection process is a highly competitive one with over fifty thousand eligible applications submitted for the 2020/2021 intake. Only 10% of these applicants are accepted and enrolled. Therefore, we must congratulate Joanne and Kemba, because their success in being selected is indeed a big deal.”
Ms. Scarbro further stated that there is still an opportunity to make applications for scholarships for the Chevening programme for the 2021/2022 term. She noted that interested persons who are talented, with leadership qualities, and who are desirous of pursuing their Master’s Degree, may apply before the deadline of Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020.
Ms. Kemba Hughes and Governor Tim Foy
In his brief remarks, Governor Foy congratulated Ms. Snagg and Ms. Hughes, and commended them for taking on what he regarded as a “highly competitive process”. He remarked: “I also want to express my thanks to the rest of the Anguillian applicants who did not quite make it in this high quality field. Still, I want to encourage anyone who would like to make an application to Chevening School to please do so.
“Chevening Scholarships are highly valued scholarships, particularly in the UK,” the Governor claimed. “It is not simply that Chevening provides one with the opportunity to attain a higher degree, but Chevening students are achieving scholars. And this in itself is something that is worth applying for.”
“Chevening is important for the UK,” the Governor explained, “and in the future it will be even more important. It is not just about scholarships, but rather Chevening is all about identifying future leaders.” He recounted his own university experience, stating that it was an opportunity for him to achieve what he wanted to achieve.
The Governor placed on record his appreciation for Ms. Scarbro, saying: “I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Latoya Scarbro. Running this progamme every year is not really a challenge for her, but a pleasure. She is very serious and respectful of all those who apply and those who succeed, as well as being helpful to those who don’t. She also takes pleasure in dealing with those students after they would have gone on to Chevening — five and a half thousand miles away from home.”
Then turning to Joanne and Kemba, he congratulated them once again and said: “Work hard, watch out for Covid, make sure you have a good time in the UK, and always remember that you are just a phone call away from Ms. Scarbro.”
Kemba stated: “I look forward to pursuing my Master’s degree at one of the top schools in the UK, and to being a part of the prestigious Chevening alumni. I hope that our journey will inspire many more Anguillians to take hold of the amazing opportunities, available through Chevening, to better themselves academically and professionally”.
And Joanne said, “I feel blessed and honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious Chevening award. I am looking forward to taking full advantage of all that my chosen university and the extensive Chevening community have to offer, as well as to utilise the knowledge and skills gained upon completion of my studies in order to assist with the development of the Anguillian society”.
The Hon. Dee-Anne Kentish-Rogers was present to compliment the pair. She stated: “I want to say congratulations to you, Ms. Snagg and Ms. Hughes, for your accomplishments in being awarded the very prestigious Chevening Scholarship. I know you are excited, and I am excited for both of you. You are to be commended for your desire to further your education. Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers and decision-makers from all over the word.”
She encouraged them to embrace the rare opportunity. She said that she wished them every success and reminded them that they “should remain relentless in their pursuits and steadfast in their efforts.”
Ms. Joanne Snagg is the daughter of Ms. Jane Brooks (deceased) of Blowing Point, and Ms. Kemba Hughes is the daughter of Dr. Lowell and Mrs. Liesel Hughes of Swing High. Ms. Hughes will be pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Low Building Services Engineering at Loughborough University, and Ms. Snagg will be studying for a Master of Arts Degree in Policy Studies in Education at University College London.
The Anguillian congratulates both students and wishes them success in their pursuits.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
