Laniqua Hendricks Awarded Prestigious Ireland Fellows Programme Scholarship

Laniqua Hendricks, a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, has been awarded a prestigious full scholarship from the Government of Ireland under the Ireland Fellows Programme for the 2025/26 academic year. This highly competitive program, part of Ireland’s global development cooperation, offers fully funded opportunities for exceptional professionals from eligible countries to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in Ireland. Hendricks, currently serving as an Administrative Officer I (Acting Banking Officer I) at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), will pursue an MSc in Business Management at Dublin City University. Her selection underscores her dedication, academic excellence, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of her nation.

Hendricks’s journey to this achievement is marked by a consistent pursuit of academic excellence. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology and Human Resource Management from the University of the West Indies and an Associate of Science in Natural Sciences from Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. Coupled with her over five years of experience in administration and banking at the ECCB, these qualifications demonstrate her well-rounded skillset and commitment to continuous learning. Her selection for the Ireland Fellows Programme not only recognizes her individual accomplishments but also emphasizes the importance of investing in human capital for sustainable development, particularly within small island developing states (SIDS).

The Ireland Fellows Programme, a cornerstone of Ireland’s commitment to international development, focuses on building leadership capacity and fostering sustainable development globally. The program targets individuals with high leadership potential from developing countries, providing them with the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge through postgraduate study in Ireland. The program’s emphasis on leadership, capacity building, and sustainable development aligns perfectly with the needs of SIDS like St. Kitts and Nevis, which face unique challenges related to their size, vulnerability to climate change, and limited resources. Hendricks’s participation in this program will not only benefit her personally but will also equip her with the tools and networks to contribute to the long-term development of her nation.

Hendricks’s selection as the sole recipient from St. Kitts and Nevis in 2025, among a cohort of 224 fellows from 49 countries, highlights the significance of this achievement. This year’s cohort is the largest to date, showcasing the growing global reach and impact of the Ireland Fellows Programme. Hendricks’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars and professionals in St. Kitts and Nevis, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, they too can compete on the international stage and access opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her selection also underscores the value of international cooperation and the role of education in empowering individuals and communities.

In recognizing the transformative potential of such opportunities, Hendricks encouraged fellow citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to actively seek out similar scholarships. She emphasized the importance of pursuing such opportunities not just for personal advancement but also for the collective benefit of the nation. By expanding their horizons, building international networks, and gaining valuable skills and knowledge, individuals can contribute more effectively to the development of their communities and contribute to the overall progress of St. Kitts and Nevis. Her message resonates deeply with the spirit of the Ireland Fellows Programme, which aims to empower individuals to become agents of change in their home countries.

The Ireland-SIDS Fellows Programme, a specific stream within the broader Ireland Fellows Programme, reflects Ireland’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States. This targeted approach recognizes the unique vulnerabilities and development challenges faced by SIDS and seeks to equip individuals from these nations with the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges effectively. Hendricks’s selection for this specialized program further highlights the value placed on her potential to contribute to the resilience and prosperity of St. Kitts and Nevis in the face of these challenges. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of targeted development assistance and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders in SIDS.