Three Anguillian students, proud winners of the highly-competitive Chevening Scholarship award, are beginning their post-graduate studies at different universities in the United Kingdom this September.
The students, places of study and subject areas are: Ms. Sharifa Honore, Loughborough University, Master of Science in Economics and Finance; Calla Gumbs, University of Leeds, Master of Arts in Human Resource Management; and Nordisia Lake, University of Manchester, Master of Science in International Development: Public Policy and Management.
A farewell ceremony for the students was held in their honour at the former residence of the Governor – at Old Ta – on Friday, August 27. There Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam congratulated the students for their scholarship awards. Speaking on behalf of herself and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, she said their own graduate studies, from other institutions, had helped to shape them in their professional careers for the leaders they wanted to be. She added that it was important for them to take time out from working to pursue graduate studies, and to be stimulated by being among other students from around the world.
The students were also congratulated by Ms. Latoya Scarboro, Chevening Scholarship Officer, at the Governor’s Office. She expressed delight that another batch of Anguillian students had been successful in their applications, and encouraged other Anguillians to apply for scholarships as well.
The three students took the opportunity to separately express their gratitude, on behalf of themselves and families, to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Governor’s Office, and the Chevening Scholarship Awards Secretariat, for enabling them to further their studies.
Those at the farewell ceremony included the General Manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Mr. Diego Angarita; and Mr. Seymour Hodge, Liaison Officer for the resort and the Government of Anguilla. Mr. Angarita was delighted that Ms. Calla Gumbs, the property’s Human Resource Manager, was granted the Chevening Scholarship, saying he was proud and honoured that she was granted the award. “Calla is definitely the future of Four Season in Anguilla – and the award to her is one more step in that process,” he stated.
Chevening is the UK Government’s International Awards Programme aimed at developing global leaders. It is a fully-funded programme by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – and other partnership organisations.
The Chevening Programme offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers and decision-makers, from all over the world, to develop professionally and academically, and to build lasting positive relationships with the United Kingdom.
More than one dozen Anguillians have, over the years, benefitted from the programme by achieving post-graduate qualifications in various fields of global education.