The Department of Education welcomes Ms. Conisha Gumbs as the new Education Welfare Officer. Ms. Gumbs is a native of Anguilla, the daughter of Mabel Thompson and Conrad Gumbs of Stoney Ground. She received her education at the Orealia Kelly Primary School, formerly, Stoney Ground Primary School and the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School.
In 2012, Ms. Gumbs graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI-St. Thomas) with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Social Sciences and an Associates of Arts degree in Business Management with Cum Laude Honours. While attending the University of the Virgin Islands, Ms. Gumbs was identified as a student leader. Her undying love for her country gave her the drive to reactivate the Anguilla Student Association where she served as President, Vice President and Advisory Member. In her senior year at UVI, Ms. Gumbs got the opportunity to travel to St. Croix to compete as a team member in the 2012 Model United Nation’s Conference. Her team emerged winner. Among her many achievements at UVI were: induction in the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, selection in Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities And Colleges, proud recipient of the University of the Virgin Islands Academic Award, repeated awardee of the Dean’s List award. She volunteered at the annual “friend-raiser” Afternoon on the Green, UVI Fall Fest and Golden Key International Honour Society events.
She then moved to South Florida where she was employed at a charter school, where she worked with children of diverse cultures and capabilities from kindergarten to 7th grade. In the capacity of Education Welfare Officer, Ms. Gumbs joins Ms. Natasha Carty in monitoring school attendance and working harmoniously with students, parents and teachers to address welfare needs and improving participation, performance and retention of students in schools.
“I knew sooner or later I would be returning home to share my qualifications and expertise with Anguilla. I have a love for social development and I am glad that I will be utilising my skills in the education arena which is an essential area in Anguilla’s progression. I feel honored to have been selected for the post and do plan to work hard to bring about positive results,” was what Ms. Conisha Gumbs had to say about taking up her new position.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
