By Anesta Henry
University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus student Marcia Brathwaite is the winner of the 19th Annual Caribbean Catalyst Inc. Kregg Nurse Memorial Scholarship Award.
Consultant with Caribbean Catalyst Junelle Brathwaite, who made the announcement on Tuesday during a brief ceremony held via Zoom, said Brathwaite will receive a plaque and financial assistance towards her degree programme.
The scholarship was established in 2015 and is targeted to persons with disabilities who have successfully completed at least one year of post-secondary school education in any field and are in the process of continuing their formal education at a recognised tertiary institution.
Nurse, a former employee of Ernst & Young, never allowed his disability to become an inability.
Brathwaite, one of the two persons who applied for the award this year, experienced a horrific health challenge at 51 years old while practising law in the United States and was on the path to building her own practice.
A medical diagnosis in June 2016 resulted in Brathwaite having limited mobility in her left hand and minimal use of her left foot.
Brathwaite, who had to undergo a series of physical therapy sessions, which she described as challenging, eventually made the decision to return to Barbados. She is currently completing the second year of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Banking and Finance and expects to complete her studies in 2025. She is looking forward to pursuing her master’s in financial economics or trade policy.
“Marcia aspires to work with the Government of Barbados in a capacity where she can assist with crafting trade policy and missions between Barbados and international countries.
“This will be accomplished by her combined knowledge and skills gained throughout her studies and her previous legal practice. Congratulations to Marcia Brathwaite, you have inspired us with your commitment, strength and drive to succeed. We wish you success as you continue your quest to fulfil your ambitions,” Junelle said.
The happy recipient said she was thankful for the award, since she still had some distance to go to reach her educational goals.
“However, my referee, the staff of Caribbean Catalyst, has shown me that I would not be travelling that distance without the support and for those things, I am very appreciative,” Brathwaite said.
Visually impaired Sabrina Jordan Cumberbatch, who was the first runner-up, said she was pleased to have been considered as a suitable candidate for the scholarship established in memory of Nurse, about whom she had heard many good things.
Nurse’s mother, Linnell Nurse, commended Brathwaite and Jordan Cumberbatch for pursuing academic excellence and extended gratitude to the Caribbean Catalyst for keeping her son’s memory alive.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb
