On Friday, November 13th, the Governor’s Office hosted a “Welcome Home” ceremony for two Chevening students: Ms. Arlette Richardson and Ms. Vanisha Proctor. Members of the students’ families and friends were present at the prestigious event which included the presentation of Chevening certificates.
The two students had begun a one-year stint of study, in the UK, under the Chevening scholarship programme. Ms. Richardson had pursued a Master’s Degree in International Social Development, and Ms. Proctor a Masters Degree in Occupational and Business Psychology. However, their studies were unfortunately interrupted due to the lockdown, last March, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The students left Anguilla in September, 2019. While Ms. Proctor went off to pursue her studies at Kingston University, London, Ms. Richardson matriculated at the University of East Anglia, on England’s southeastern seaboard. Since their regular studies were cut short, they took the opportunity to return to Anguilla under the safe repatriation process. Subsequently, they both successfully completed their studies at home.
Anguilla’s Chevening Programme Officer, Ms. Latoya Scarbro, congratulated the pair on their achievements. She said: “I have been in contact with them from the beginning of this journey and, even more so, since March, upon the onset of COVID-19.” She admitted that there were times when she was unable to answer some of their questions — in the midst of the pandemic — but they were considerate enough to keep their cool. She stated, “They exercised extreme patience and professionalism throughout the uncertain times.”
His Excellency Governor Tim Foy extended hearty compliments to the ladies, despite their roadblocks, saying: “Welcome back Arlette and Vanisha. I realise that 2019 was somewhat of a hard year for you, but 2020 was even harder…It is tragic that your time to study in Britain was cruelly cut short, leaving you in the middle of a pandemic which would have been quite worrying for both you and your families. But you did the course, and you made it in spite of the hurdles.”
He congratulated them for their Chevening successes and the rewarding achievements in their education. He also commended their parents, family and friends for the support which they gave them while they were away from home, and he urged the students to never forget their support network. In addition, he remarked that he wanted to put on record his thanks and appreciation to Latoya for making Chevening such a success in Anguilla.
Ms. Mareja Smith is a 2016/2017 graduate of Chevening and was on hand to welcome the students on behalf of the Chevening Alumni Association: “On behalf of the Chevening Alumni Association, I heartily congratulate you both. This gathering is symbolic, as it marks the successful completion or ending, but it is also an exciting beginning. You thought the hard work was at school, but now putting what you have learnt into your daily lives is actually the hardest part. Your successful completion amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is indicative that both of you were excellent choices for Chevening because you were able to stay the course.”
She encouraged them with her own words of inspiration: “Cherish your vision and your dreams,” she admonished, “for they are both the children of your soul. Give your knowledge, your talents and your gifts to positively impact the lives of those around you. As Chevening would have it, be a good decision-maker; be a good influencer; and be a good Chevening leader.”
Ms. Arlette Richarson then gave a brief testimonial: “I was excited and beaming with pride to be chosen for Chevening…In England, where I had never been before, though far away from family and friends, I quickly made new friends, strengthened my faith in God, and was able to settle down for what I thought would be the next year.”
Arlette continued: “Settling back into school after almost ten years in a different culture and climate, had put my faith and wellbeing to the test. But I persevered. The Chevening orientation in October 2019 was quite impressive. There were so many Cheveners from different countries — but we were all connected with a good purpose. Unfortunately, that was the only Chevening event we were able to attend together…Out of left field, COVID-19 came flying in, and since the ending of February ‘lockdown’ became the order of the day.”
She described her experiences due to the lockdown where she was confined indoors, saying that she found a way to control the depression by praying incessantly while still focusing on her studies. She stated how delightful she finally was — three months into lockdown — to learn of Anguilla’s repatriation process through which she was able to return home to complete her course. Admirably, she completed her Chevening Master’s Degree with honours.
Arlette passionately expressed her gratitude to God for the opportunity, as well as to her mother and grandmother for their untiring support and sacrifices. She also mentioned how grateful she was to Sharma Fleming and Trevor Queeley for their kind support. She voiced her appreciation for the guidance and support of her Dissertation Supervisor and Head of Department, Laura Canfield, and gave thanks to Daphne Hodge, her Supervisor at the Department of Social Development. Indeed, she was extremely grateful to the Governor’s Office and the Chevening Programme Officer, Latoya Scarbro.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” she said, “and I will be forever proud and grateful. My experiences have undoubtedly fueled my goals as I continue to grow, embrace my purpose, emanate love, and dwell in my awesomeness. May I be an inspiration and effect amazing changes.”
Ms. Vanisha Proctor testified of her experience as well: “I wish to thank HE the Governor and Latoya Scarbro for having us here today. My year-long journey was cut short by COVID-19, but the word that resonated with me through my experiences in the UK is ‘faith’. I believe that I have come this far through my faith. Having been faced with a global pandemic in a foreign land was a test of such faith.”
She continued: “It took faith for me to adjust to a fast-pace way of life in England, which I was not accustomed to. The climate there was a challenge, but my faith saw me through. I am indeed grateful and appreciative for the opportunity afforded me through the prestigious Chevening Award… This award lends itself not only to academia, but also to social development — and it gives root to the expansion of one’s networking, especially through the creation of new regional and international relationships. A perfect example of this is the Chevening Orientation where, in October 2019, one thousand seven hundred and forty of us gathered together from all around the world.”
In relating her gratitude, she reflected: “Someone once said: “Never forget to say ‘thanks’ for an act of kindness. It is upon this premise that I would wish to extend sincere gratitude to the Governor’s Office and its entire team, especially Chevening Programme Officer, Ms. Latoya Scarbro, who made sure that our settling in was next to perfect. We thank her for her constant communication and her invaluable encouragement.”
Vanisha also expressed thanks to her mother, family and friends, as well as her newly adopted UK family, for their constant support and well wishes. She noted that now — with faith — a new journey with great possibilities begins. She stated that in the midst of inevitable challenges she has that certain faith that can move mountains.
At the end of Friday’s ceremony, the Governor reiterated congratulatory remarks for both students, and presented them with their well-deserved certificates.
Chevening scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals from all over the world to enable them to pursue a one-year Master’s Degree course in any subject at any UK university.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
