The Rhodes Scholarship is a highly prestigious international award for study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes Scholars may study any full-time postgraduate course offered by the University except for the MBA – whether a Master’s programme, a research degree, or a second undergraduate degree (senior status). The Scholarship is for two years in the first instance, though may be held for one year only; applications for a third year are considered during the course of the 2nd year. University and College fees are paid by the Rhodes Trust. In addition, Scholars receive a monthly maintenance stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses. Although all scholars become affiliated with a residential college while at Oxford, they also enjoy access to Rhodes House, an early 20th century mansion with numerous public rooms, gardens, a library, study areas, and other facilities. The scholarships were initiated after the death of Cecil John Rhodes and have been awarded to applicants annually since 1902 by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford on the basis of academics and strength of character.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes_Scholarship
The recent announcement that 21 year old Vincentian Robert Luke Browne is the 2008 Rhodes Scholar for the Eastern Caribbean should be applauded by all of us. The Rhodes Scholarship has historically rewarded academic excellence and Mr. Robert Luke Browne will now have to join some illustrious past awardees. The little we have heard from the young man and the excellent track record he has been able to achieve in his brief stint on earth gives us real hope for the future. Often times we are quick to be harsh with the young people, sometimes forgetting that the tension created by the generation divide has been on-going for many years. The future of any nation will depend on its ability to nurture its young people and more importantly those that demonstrate leadership qualities must be separated from the herd. Anyone who has listened to Mr. Robert Luke Browne immediately knows that he is a leader in the making.
Unfortunately what the past has shown us is the inability of our region to hold-on to our best and brightness. The lure of working in developed markets overseas where material gain and prestige can be had is often irresistible in a world today where the almighty dollar rules. On those rare occurrences when our bright sons and daughters elect to return to give back to their Caribbean countries, they encounter political and social systems which will frustrate and stymie any effort to fully utilize their skills. How can we break the cycle of inertia to ensure that our region can fully benefit from the intellectual capital of the region?
The survival of our island states to compete on the global stage certainly depends on our current leaders acting like leaders.
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