Three exceptional scholars from Saint Lucia have returned home with top academic honors after completing transformative Master’s degrees in the United Kingdom through the renowned Chevening Scholarship program. Nyus Alfred, Amanie Mathurin, and Patrish Lionel, all originating from the island’s southern region, successfully adapted to Britain’s challenging academic environment and climate while achieving remarkable scholarly distinction.
Nyus Alfred emerged as the top-performing student in his cohort at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), earning Overall Distinction with perfect distinctions across all seven courses in the Media and Communications program. He received the award for Best Overall MSc Academic Performance in his department, a significant accomplishment for someone who initially questioned his ability to compete with students from elite global institutions.
Amanie Mathurin likewise achieved Overall Distinction at LSE in Media, Communication and Development, earning top marks in five of six courses including her dissertation. Her research focused specifically on Saint Lucian culture, examining calypso music as a form of political discourse in a thesis titled ‘Singing For Di Maléwé’ – Resistance, Knowledge, and Political Discourse in Saint Lucia’s Calypso.’
Patrish Lionel completed her Master of Arts in Strategic People Management and Practice at Liverpool John Moores University with Distinction, overcoming both academic challenges and personal tragedies during her studies. Despite receiving news of her father being injured by a stray bullet and her grandmother’s passing during her dissertation period, she persevered to achieve academic excellence.
The three scholars formed a strong support system during their time abroad, describing themselves as ‘a small but mighty group’ that maintained accountability to each other while recognizing their role in paving the way for future Saint Lucian scholars. Their achievements demonstrate that despite coming from a small nation, Saint Lucians can compete and excel at the highest levels of global academia.