On Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, The University of the West Indies Open Campus (UWIOC), Guild of Students Anguilla Chapter, held its annual Guild Handover Retreat at the Zemi Rhum Room, courtesy of Zemi Beach House. The retreat was a full-day programme aimed at familiarising the incoming executives with the Guild’s Constitution, their roles and responsibilities, expectations, goals, and mission, as well as helpful tips and bits for student executives. The retreat’s presentations were facilitated by the outgoing Chapter Chair, Ms. Jahnesha Jones, as well as the incoming Chapter Chair, Ms. Marva Smith, and Ms. Melissa Harrigan (former Chapter Chair, 21/22).
The UWI Open Campus Guild of Students includes all registered students and under the auspices of the Regional Council, the Executive of the local Chapter is charged with representing the interests, rights, and concerns of the students, while promoting the university as a viable option for tertiary studies for prospective students. The Guild also assists new and continuing students, offering support and advice on how to successfully navigate their tertiary-level educational experience at the Open Campus.
The new Executives include Ms. Marva Smith (Chapter Chair), Ms. Stephanie Ryan (Vice Chair), Ms. Sherine Brooks (Secretary), Ms. Kericia Ault (Treasurer), Ms. Twanya Thomas (Committee Liaison Officer), and Ms. Shermel Hodge (Communication & Public Relations Officer). The new Executives officially took office on June 1st, 2023 to lead and manage the Anguilla Chapter for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Also, present at the retreat were the Manager for The UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, and The UWIOC Anguilla Administrative Team, Mrs. Arlene Browne-Richardson, Ms. Patricia Bryan and Ms. René Henry. The newly elected Executives enthusiastically pledged their commitment to their new roles and took up the mantle of advocating for the continued well-being of The UWIOC Student body.
The outgoing Chapter Chair, Ms. Jahnesha Jones expressed her pride and excitement for the new team. She indicated that she intends to offer her support to the team and “looks forward to witnessing the continuity of greatness that will flow from this body.”
The incoming Chapter Chair, Ms. Marva Smith stated that she intends “to positively contribute to our students’ experience for 2023/2024. This is going to be an amazing journey and I am very much looking forward to opening gateways professionally and personally for our Guild of Students.”
In her remarks, Dr. Fleming-Banks thanked the outgoing Executive for their dedication and hard work and congratulated the new Team. “We are excited about the continued growth of the Guild,” she said. “Over the years we have witnessed the evolution with each Executive team taking it to a new level and we look forward with excitement to working with this 2023/2024 Executive in support of our Students.”
The UWI Open Campus Anguilla Guild of Students expresses gratitude to Zemi Beach House for its kind courtesies in hosting their annual retreat for the second time, and to the management and staff of The UWI Open Campus Anguilla and all other stakeholders for their continued support.
