The 2021 recipient of the Arnott Cato Foundation and the City of Bridgetown Credit Union Scholarship is Keira Inniss.
The scholarship which is given out yearly, goes towards a select student who is pursuing a Masters in Public Health (MPH) programme at the University of the West Indies, and covers one full year for the lucky recipient.
After receiving her scholarship virtually this year, Keira Innis said it was always her dream to grow up and work in helping others.
“It is an honour to care for others, and contribute to their wellbeing. As a result, I enrolled in various programs, starting as early as Brownies, to then enrolling in Key Club, where I visited geriatric homes, assisted in beach clean-ups, and participated in health fairs.
“These opportunities inspired me to advance my knowledge in the healthcare field,” she said.
In July of 2020, Inniss completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Management at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus, which Inniss credits for her heighted awareness around public health, and her desire to commit further interest into non-communicable diseases.
“Non-communicable diseases, especially hypertension, tend to be a leading health concern within Barbados, and the prevalence rate seems to be exceedingly high.
Personally, I have witnessed loved ones suffering from these diseases, [which] can be avoided by just a change in lifestyle of some individuals.
After receiving numerous readings and interesting information within my bachelor’s programme, I deem it best to continue my studies within a similar field,” she added.
Inniss also said she was excited about her journey ahead, as she seeks to further her studies and gain the necessary tools for her to make a significant impact in the medical field.
“This scholarship, therefore, will assist me in fulfilling the goal of completing the master’s programme.
It will lighten my financial burdens by covering a portion of my tuition fees [and] as a result, more focus can be placed on successfully executing my research project, and as Sir Arnott Cato has done tremendous work within the medical and political field, it is my intention to engage in a similar mission within the health sector,” Inniss stated. (SB)
