Alumni of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme recently met up with UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN – Ambassador Jonathan Allen – and British High Commissioner for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean – Janet Douglas – for a working dinner at Grenadine House. Also present were St Vincent and the Grenadines’ two Queen’s Young Leaders Jodie Dennie and Kenville Horne.

Jonathan Allen gave a brief overview of the UN Security Council and its work, past, present and future. He shared some of his own personal experience, answering and posing questions to the group.

Jonathan explored what it means for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be a member of the Security Council, and the need to capitalise on the relations formed with other members on the Council.

Recently returned Alumna Tedra Kirby was presented with a certificate confirming her Chevening experience at the University of Leeds and congratulated by High Commissioner Douglas on her achievement.

There was also a discussion about the role of the newly re-opened British High Commission in Kingstown, exploring ideas on building bridges between the two countries. High Commissioner Douglas remarked how mutually beneficial the relationship was between SVG and the UK, with education being a prime example. She said, “Effective communication will remain essential if we are to further strengthen our relationship, and the Chevening Alumni and Queen’s Young Leaders are a real asset in this regard.”