Caption: Scholars -British Deputy High Commissioner Victoria White, left, with Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox, right, and Chevening scholarship recipients Reyad Mohammed, second left, and Nestor Garcia
By Prior Beharry
MINISTER of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox urges two Chevening scholarship recipients to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago in their respective fields.
She made the comment during a reception at the Maraval residence of the British High Commissioner on Thursday evening to honor Reyad Mohammed and Nestor Garcia, who received one-year Chevening scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in climate change and international law, respectively.
Cox said, “To this year’s winners, I hope you are ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our country stands at a pivotal moment in its history, poised for transformation and digitalisation in all areas, and you, are now part of this transformative journey. We eagerly anticipate your contributions.”
Mohammed will pursue a MSc in Climate Change at UCL, University College London.
Cox said, “Climate change continues to be high on every governments’ agenda. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the World Meteorological Organization have reported that 2023 was the hottest year on record.
“We’ve all felt it and continue to experience the tangible effects of climate change. Your post graduate studies in climate change therefore presents you with a unique opportunity to contribute to the overall implementation of climate change policies and actions in our country.”
She told Garcia that he too had a crucial role to play in our country’s development as taxes are one of the main source’s of revenue, funding critical resources such as the grants and services offered to the poor and vulnerable under the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.
Cox said, “Your pursuance will also prove fruitful for including, but not limited to, a favourable tax environment for cross border trade.”
Also speaking at the function was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Reita Toussaint. It was chaired by the British High Commission’s communications officer André Blackburn and the vote of thank was delivered by Head of Political, Economic and Press of the High Commission Chinali Patel.
The Chevening Scholarship Programme is in its 41st years. Cox, a Chevening scholar herself with a master’s in public relations, also paid tribute to the past two scholarship awardees.
Cox said, “Our 2023 scholarship recipients were Ms Sache Alexander-George, who pursued an MSc in Digital Entrepreneurship at Loughborough University, and Mr Jessel Crispin Brizian, who studied Fashion Business Management at the University of Westminster.
“I am sure they will say that the year went by swiftly. Time flies when you are studying and having fun. I say, welcome back and welcome home.”
