Opportunities for young Anguillians to undertake tertiary education have increased significantly in recent years. Many young people are taking advantage of these opportunities to pursue bachelors and advanced degrees, as well as other higher education certification in diverse areas of study.

Shantelle C. Gumbs

A significant number of them achieve outstanding scholastic success, continuing a proud tradition among Anguillian university students. One such student is Ms. Shantelle C. Gumbs of Sachasses, a 23 year old, 2002 Sixth Form graduate of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.

Shantelle recently graduated, “summa cum laude” (with highest honours), with a BA in Economics, from Howard University in Washington DC, USA, completing her studies in August, 2006. She earned an overall GPA score of 3.89.

Shantelle commenced her studies at Howard in August 2003. Ordinarily, she should have completed the programme in May 2007. Determined to make the best of the opportunity and reduce costs, she undertook an accelerated programme, including summer courses in 2006. This enabled her to complete her studies one academic year ahead of schedule.

Several awards were earned by Shantelle during her three years at Howard, in recognition of her outstanding scholastic achievement as an Economics student. They include membership of the National Society of Inter-Collegiate Scholars (2004), the National Dean’s List (2005-06), the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Dean’s List (2004-05 and 2005-06), Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honors Society (2005) and the Golden Key Honors Society. In addition she was a (Howard University) Trustee Scholarship recipient in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

Membership of the Caribbean Students Association (CSA) of Howard University provided Shantelle with the opportunity to participate in student life with emphasis on promoting the welfare of Caribbean students at the University, their integration and active participation in university life.

The finances to meet the costs of Shantelle’s studies came from a number of sources including funding provided by family members. She is the daughter of Ms. Vincia Gumbs of Sachasses and Dr. Wycliffe Fahie of the Forest. She was also the recipient of scholarships and grants from the Government of Anguilla, the National Bank of Anguilla and Howard University.

Shantelle has been recruited into the Anguilla Civil Service since the completion of her studies, as a Project Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Commerce and Tourism. She commenced employment in September.

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