Vincentians excel at Monroe College

Three Vincentians have completed studies at the Monroe College and have earned their degreed with high honours at the institution. The students are Kendra Homer, Elroy Quammie and Jezel Greene.

Kendra Homer obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Hospitality Management, with Magna Cum Laude Honours. She said that she chose the field because of passion, the number of career opportunities within the field and the beauty and diversity of tourism, an area that she “has her eyes on”. She also highlighted that it is one of the largest fields that contributes to a country’s economic growth and helps to create a sustainable environment, a factor that attracted her to the field. Her intention is to use her knowledge to contribute to her country by working in this industry, suggesting new ideas and training so that persons visiting and living in SVG can have a “true Vincy experience”.

She believes that new ideas and initiatives can further develop, improve and boost our tourism sites, while creating employment and generating income locally.

The tourism-enthusiast described her journey at the Monroe college as “edifying and memorable”. She said that while there were challenges, sleepless nights and having to take care of her mom who had got into a vehicle accident, the experience was worth it. Homer said that she will encourage all young persons to enter the field of tourism and hospitality if they have a passion for it, no matter how great the challenges seem. She referenced a scripture verse that she constantly rehearsed so as to affirm her journey; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. She believes that once persons remain focused and endure to the end, it will be a win-win situation as there will be personal gain and national gain.

“At the end of the tunnel, the most rewarding thing is when you can positively contribute to your country’s development and economy. It’s a win-win. We all benefit as a nation.” These are the words of Homer.
Elroy Quammie is currently a Detective Police Constable who has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, graduating with a grade point average of 3.9, earning the Latin Summa Cum Laude Honours.

He was also listed on the President’s Honours list every semester of his undergraduate journey. Quammie said that it was easy for him to decide what degree to pursue since he has a deep love and great concern for criminal justice and policing. He said that the new knowledge will allow him to contribute in an even more meaningful way to the police force, and that he hopes to become a police instructor at the police training school.

His intentions do not only reflect making personal strides in his career but he also intends to share his knowledge with his colleagues, which is another way he believes he can contribute overall to the development of policing. In an interview with ANN, Quammie described his academic journey as “positive and life-changing”. Networking, time-management and interpersonal skills were all greatly developed during this journey, according to the scholar.

Quammie said that there were many challenges encountered along the way but that he was determined to excel. Losing his brother in 2019, who was an advisor and motivator to him, and the death of his uncle in early 2020, along with his father’s amputation of his second leg were all instances that affected him mentally and emotionally. These situations also helped Quammie to be more empathetic in his service and so he is ready and willing to be an exemplar in his community and in the police service.

He encouraged young persons interested in the Criminal Justice field to further their studies and seek additional training so that their outlook and perspectives on the field can be broadened and more skills can be obtained during the course. “You would get a better understanding of the criminal justice system and you would be in a better position to make changes, even on the smallest scale.”

Jezel Greene obtained a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, earning the Latin Summa Cum Laude Honours. Greene said that it has always been her goal to have a career in the health sector. She said that her choice can be attributed her caring, understand and proactive traits.

Having excelled in the field, Greene hopes to secure a job in the health field, where she can contribute to the sector using her advanced knowledge. Her goal is to help to develop and implement programs to promote early prevention of infectious diseases and create incentives to environmental hazards.

Greene commented that her journey at the Monroe college was amazing but did not lack challenges. She said that there were times when she got little sleep, had to skip many social events, including family time. Nevertheless, Greene encouraged young persons to pursue studies but highlighted the fact that it is not an easy road in the health field.

She warned that there would be many points where sacrifices must be made but promised that the achievements will put them in a better place in life eventually. “It’s not easy but with God and the right attitude, you can do it. The partying and dressing up can wait. Work on your career while you are young and full of life.”