Despite the challenges they endured studying during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Barbados Scholarship and Exhibition winners are pleased their hard work and dedication have paid off and are looking forward to bright futures.
Even though some of them have already begun their studies at tertiary institutions locally, regionally and internationally, several of them indicated that upon completing their studies, they intend to contribute to the development of Barbados.
On Friday, via livestream, the Ministry of Education announced the names of six 2021 Barbados Scholars – two from Harrison College (HC) and four from Queens College (QC) –, 36 exhibition winners, and one Award of Excellence recipient from the Barbados Community College (BCC).
Vinati Melawani of HC, who is studying engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, said she intends to contribute to improving infrastructure in the Caribbean when she becomes a civil engineer.
Megan Best of QC said she was undecided on a career path and noted that she was taking time off from studying at this time. However, Best said whatever path she chooses, she intends to contribute to the development of Barbados and the region.
Meladee Carter, who attended QC and is pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration at the Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, said she intends to give back to Barbados through marketing consultancy and helping entrepreneurs understand their brand is not just their business but also how they present themselves to their target audiences.
Ella-Jean Evelyn, also of QC, is currently enrolled in the Mathematics programme at the University of Waterloo, Canada, majoring in Actuarial Science. The scholar said she intends to work for a local insurance company or perhaps provide consultancy services.
Scholar Khaleel Kothdiwala who has made his presence felt in the political arena from a young age, thanked the Government for demonstrating a commitment to education by awarding scholarships despite difficult circumstances.
Kothdiwala, who congratulated all the award winners, is studying law at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.
“With respect to my own particular passion in terms of the ability to give back to Barbados, I feel like it is important that we increase the level of public education in respect of our legal system. Many of us are daunted by the law and it need not be so, because it plays such an integral role in our lives,” Kothdiwala said.
Exhibitionist Soumaya Callender, who attended HC, is currently pursuing studies in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Cave Hill. She said as a doctor she intends to improve the physical, mental and emotional health and wellness of Barbadians and others, whether she works in the public or private sector.
HC graduate and exhibition winner Vienna Cozier, who is enrolled in the commerce programme at the University of Toronto, Canada, said she will be returning to Barbados to start her own business in an area that would contribute to the country’s development.
Former student of Christ Church Foundation School, Gaziyah Bentham, who thanked all those who pushed him towards academic success, said he hoped his accomplishment of attaining a 2021 exhibition will act as a source of encouragement for those students he left behind at the Christ Church school.
“Currently, I am at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus and I am pursuing a double major in computer science and accounting. I wholeheartedly intend to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of Barbados,” Bentham said.
Exhibition winner from the Lodge School, Maya Graham said she is in the process of applying to two international universities where she intends to study sustainable agriculture.
“I hope that this education will help me to come back to Barbados and further innovate the agricultural industry by hopefully trying to incorporate more sustainable techniques into our agriculture so that we can really get more foreign business,” Graham said.
Nekoda Ellis, one of the five graduates of the BCC who won an exhibition, will be attending the Cave Hill campus from January where he will be pursuing the Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Ellis said his ultimate goal is to become a drama therapist.
“Drama therapy, in a nutshell for those who are wondering, is basically using drama techniques to allow persons to articulate their feelings through role play, singing, dancing, acting, among other things. And with my knowledge in therapy, I do believe that this unconventional form of psychology will very much assist with diversifying psychology in Barbados and our exploration of mental health,” Ellis said.
Kelly-Ann Skeete, who studied Office Administration and Management at BC, won the Award of Excellence. (AH)
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