Barbados scholars pursue diverse passions

The recipients of this year’s Barbados Scholarship and Exhibition awards are not only excelling academically but are also pursuing unique and diverse paths, with ambitions spanning business, music, robotics, and culinary arts.

Among the top scholars is Abianna Fenty, a student at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, who is determined to change perceptions of music education in Barbados. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Fenty believes the arts, particularly music, are undervalued on the island. “Music, I believe, is not emphasised in Barbados,” she said.

Fenty’s vision is to create platforms where local music can thrive, contributing to the country’s cultural and tourism sectors. While her decision to pursue music, rather than more traditional fields like law or medicine, has met with mixed reactions, she remains focused on shifting public attitudes.

“I’m looking to make music and other arts more common so that they are celebrated rather than seen as strange,” she said.

Jovani Gittens of Harrison College is set for his studies in Mechatronics Engineering which combines robotics, telecommunications, mechanical engineering, and computer science.

“My true passion is robotics. I’m intending to take the knowledge I gain in robotics and apply it to developmental programmes within Barbados,” said Gittens who intends to study abroad. He believes mechatronics is an emerging area that can transform sectors such as agriculture and medicine in Barbados.

Gittens is following a family tradition of academic excellence.

“My father got a scholarship, my brother got a scholarship, my sister got a scholarship, and my mother got an exhibition,” he said, adding that his ultimate aim is to inspire future generations and help position Barbados as a leader in technological innovation.

Richard Howell’s journey to his chosen field was not as clear-cut. Despite excelling in subjects like computer science, applied mathematics, and environmental science at Harrison College, he always had a deep-rooted interest in business, influenced by his family’s entrepreneurial ventures.

“I’ve always had an interest in business. My family has a family business, and I’ve always tried to do different business initiatives,” he said. Currently in a gap year, Howell is preparing to study business in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on his decision, he acknowledged, “I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to tap into it, but this is, I believe, a firm decision that can only benefit me and the country.”

Romario Bishop from Barbados Community College (BCC) has opted to stay here to pursue a degree in computer science at UWI, driven by a desire to address the island’s brain drain.

“Growing up, technology was a really big thing for me, and I fell in love with programming,” Bishop said. Unlike many of his peers who choose to go abroad, he is determined to contribute to Barbados’ technological advancement, particularly in the field of cybersecurity.

“A lot of people get their degrees and then leave the island. I want to stay back and help Barbados, especially with cybersecurity,” he explained.

Joining Bishop at UWI is fellow BCC graduate Ode Millington, who is equally passionate about computer science. Millington explained that his love for programming was the driving force behind his decision to study computer science. The 18-year-old is determined to develop applications for the private and public sectors, with the goal of transitioning Barbados into a more digital world.