Wood – Another Rhodes Scholar

IT WAS not so long ago that Luke Browne won the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, now it is Kamal Wood, who is one of our island scholars and who was, in 2004, the most outstanding student for the region in the CXC/CSEC examinations, with eleven grade one passes. He also won the Prime Minister’s award for the best performance in the Advanced level examinations. Kamal Wood must be highly commended for his excellent work over the years and for his latest achievement.{{more}}  A son of the soil, he has made St. Vincent and the Grenadines proud. We must constantly support and pray for his continued performance. St. Vincent needs as many Rhodes scholars as possible. He is a model for students, and there must be ways in which teachers could make their students know about him. He should be an inspiration to our students. We would be happy to produce a Rhodes scholar every year. Congratulations to Kamal and his family.

Rhodes scholarship

This is an international award made possible by Cecil John Rhodes to study at the University of Oxford in England. It is a postgraduate award, and a recipient can study for a master’s degree or carry out research (although a second undergraduate degree can be done). It allows for two years, with possible extension to three years. It provides for University fees, a monthly maintenance to cover for accommodation and living expenses. The scholarship started in 1902 when Cecil John Rhodes, English born South African, left a trust in his will for the purpose of administering the scholarship. Cecil Rhodes was the owner of diamond mines in South Africa.

Criteria for the Award

There are four standards by which a candidate is adjudged for the award:

1. literary and scholastic attainments;

2. energy to use one’s talent to the full as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports;

3. truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy and protection for the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship;

4. moral force of character and instinct to lead, and to take and instinct in one’s fellow beings.

The requirements for the scholarship and the Oxford University suggest that the selection will be without regard to marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, sexual orientation, social background of disability.

It is hoped that our Rhodes scholars will bring back to St. Vincent the dream of the founder of improving the lives of others.

Merry Christmas

By the time this newspaper reaches you it will be the day before Christmas Eve and you will be doing your final touches for Christmas day. May the spirit of Christmas touch you in every way so that you will give a helping hand to the less fortunate in whatever way you can. Do not harden your heart, give generously and you will be blessed in many ways. Do enjoy Christmas and don’t forget that it is the birthday of Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Ada Johnson is a solicitor and barrister-at-law.
E-mail address is: exploringthelaw@yahoo.com