The Impact of Chevening Scholars on the Development of St. Kitts and Nevis

The Chevening Scholarship, a UK government-funded program, has significantly contributed to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis over the past four decades. This prestigious award has empowered numerous Kittitian and Nevisian professionals, shaping them into diplomats, ministers, entrepreneurs, educators, and technocrats who have played pivotal roles in nation-building. From pioneering agricultural advancements to shaping legal frameworks and representing the nation on the global stage, Chevening alumni have left an indelible mark on the twin-island federation. However, a recent three-year absence of new scholars raises concerns and calls for a renewed focus on preparing future generations for this transformative opportunity.

The Chevening legacy in St. Kitts and Nevis commenced in 1984 with Conrad Kelly, an agriculturalist whose studies at Cambridge and City St. George’s paved the way for a career impacting food systems and environmental policy across the Caribbean. Buell Bart, a renowned musician and cultural icon, followed in 1985, utilizing his Chevening experience at the Polytechnic of Wales to enhance his communication skills and elevate his global artistic presence. These early scholars set the stage for a succession of individuals who would leverage the scholarship to contribute significantly to various sectors in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Subsequent awardees have further cemented the Chevening program’s impact on the nation’s development. Dr. Kevin M. Isaac, a 1994 recipient, stands as a prominent example. His distinguished career as a diplomat, author, and scholar, culminating in his role as High Commissioner to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO, underscores the scholarship’s potential to cultivate global leaders. Sonia Boddie-Thompson, a 2011 scholar, further exemplifies this trajectory, rising from Clerk of the National Assembly to Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations. Their diplomatic achievements highlight the program’s contribution to strengthening St. Kitts and Nevis’ international presence.

The Chevening Scholarship has also fostered a generation of legal professionals shaping the justice system in St. Kitts and Nevis. Kurlyn Merchant (2014) and Jihan Williams-Knight (2013) represent this impact. Merchant, now Principal of Merchant Legal Chambers and Director of Affluent Homes Limited, follows in the footsteps of her father, Frederick Augustine Merchant (1989), creating the first father-daughter Chevening duo from the federation. Williams-Knight’s contributions as Registrar of the Intellectual Property Office and her previous roles as Assistant Registrar and Crown Counsel underscore the scholarship’s role in developing legal expertise within the nation. These individuals, alongside numerous other legal professionals who have benefited from the Chevening program, have significantly contributed to the legal landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Beyond diplomacy and law, Chevening alumni have made significant contributions across various sectors. Hazel Brandy-Williams, a former Minister of Health and Gender Affairs in Nevis, utilized her expertise to shape health and financial policies. Michelle Slack-Clarke now leads a prominent civil law firm, and Joy Napier, the most recent awardee in 2022, founded the Nevis International Secondary School and advocates for global youth empowerment. Kenrod Roberts played a key role in modernizing the Needsmust Power Station, while Dillon Webbe’s architectural firm champions sustainable building design. These diverse achievements highlight the far-reaching impact of the Chevening Scholarship on the socio-economic fabric of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Despite this rich history of achievement, the absence of Chevening scholars from St. Kitts and Nevis since 2022 is a cause for concern. While neighboring Caribbean nations continue to secure multiple awards annually, this three-year drought suggests a need for introspection and strategic intervention. Speculation points to potential shortcomings in application strategies, essay preparation, and interview performance as contributing factors. To reignite the Chevening flame in St. Kitts and Nevis, a concerted effort is needed to enhance candidate preparedness. This could involve implementing a formal mentorship program led by past scholars, focusing on strengthening writing skills, bolstering policy knowledge, and crafting compelling narratives of leadership potential. Re-engaging with the Chevening program is crucial for ensuring that future generations of Kittitian and Nevisian leaders have access to this transformative opportunity and can continue to contribute to the nation’s ongoing development.