Three outstanding nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Tevisha James, Joshika Hall, and Reenah Samuel – have been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarships by the UK government. They will join fellow scholars from Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for transformative year-long academic programs in the United Kingdom.
Tevisha James, a dedicated Standards Inspector at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards, conducts critical food and water testing to ensure public health and trade compliance. Passionate about food safety, she also shares her expertise by teaching aseptic techniques to nursing students. Beyond her professional work, Tevisha is an active community volunteer, having supported Hurricane Beryl relief efforts with the Red Cross in Mayreau, Union Island, and Canouan.
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At the University of Birmingham, she will pursue an MSc in Food Safety, Hygiene and Management, aiming to strengthen food regulations in SVG and the wider Caribbean.
Joshika Hall, a secondary school science teacher, is committed to making science engaging through hands-on laboratory sessions. She views education as a powerful tool for equity, striving to nurture the next generation of scientists who can advance healthcare in small island nations.
“Receiving this scholarship is a dream come true,” Joshika shared. “The exposure to cutting-edge research in the UK will help me bring back valuable skills to improve diagnostics and scientific learning in SVG.” She will study Medical Microbiology at the University of Manchester, eager to apply her knowledge upon returning home.
Reenah Samuel, a public servant at SVG’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, focuses on fostering growth for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Her work involves streamlining trade policies and breaking down barriers to business development, with the goal of positioning SVG as a hub for sustainable commerce.
Outside of her professional role, Reenah mentors youth and promotes spiritual growth. She will pursue an MSc in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management at the University of Nottingham, equipping herself with the tools to further empower Vincentian businesses.
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, supports future leaders across the globe. For Tevisha, Joshika, and Reenah, this opportunity represents not just personal achievement but also a chance to bring back knowledge that will benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines in food safety, scientific research, and economic development.
As they prepare for their UK journey, their stories stand as inspiration for aspiring Vincentian professionals, proving that dedication and vision can open doors to world-class education and meaningful impact.
