27 August 2026 will mark 185 years since slavery was abolished on the Corn Islands, an archipelago on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. 

When slavery was abolished, the islands were under British colonial influence. They were part of the now-extinct Mosquito Kingdom, which was later called the Mosquito Reserve following the 1860 Treaty of Managua, or Zeledón-Wyke, where Britain recognised Nicaraguan sovereignty over the region. The territory was later fully incorporated into Nicaragua in 1894, following the military actions led by General Rigoberto Cabezas by order of former President José Santos Zelaya.

The emancipation of slavery came to the Corn Islands almost 8 years after the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was approved by the English Parliament, which came into effect on 1 August 1834 and marked the end of slavery in most British colonial territories. In the Caribbean of the Americas, such territories included Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, and Antigua. The Corn Islands were not emancipated under such Act as they were not legally a British colony. At that time, the islands and the entire Mosquito Coast were being claimed by some nearby countries. Despite these claims, the Mosquito Crown and Council continued to govern the coast under the influence and support of the British.

For this reason, in compliance with the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, on 1 January 1839, King Robert Charles Frederick of the Mosquito Kingdom proclaimed the abolition of slavery on the Mosquito Shore. He ordered that by 1 January 1841, slavery was to be entirely abolished. Nevertheless, slaveholders were reluctant to follow this mandate and did not yield to the King’s proclamation. For this reason, after a meeting in Bluefields on 10 August 1841 with Colonel Alexander MacDonald, who travelled from British Honduras (present-day Belize), military and government officials of the Mosquito Coast agreed that this mandate was going to be reinforced.

On the evening of Thursday, 26 August 1841, Colonel Alexander McDonald, Superintendent of British Honduras and Chief Commissioner for the Government of the Mosquito Nation, accompanied by King Robert Charles Frederick of the Mosquito Kingdom, Secretary Patrick Walker, Stanislaus Thomas Healy, Secretary to the King, Commandant and Sheriff of the Middle District; Peter Shepherd, Commandant and Sheriff for the Southern District; Captain Gordon, the Doctor; and several other officers, arrived on an English warship and anchored at Insurance Harbour, off the shores of Southwest Bay, Great Corn Island.

McDonald asked all slaveholders and enslaved men and women to assemble the following day at Southwest Bay at 10:00 A.M. for an announcement.

The following day, on Friday, 27 August 1841, at 10:00 A.M., McDonald, in the presence of the Miskito King and other officials, slaveholders and enslaved people, announced the following:

“I am come here to make you all free; therefore in the name of H.M. Queen Victoria, and in the name of the King of the Mosquito Shore, I pronounce you all free…”

That day, 98 enslaved men and women were emancipated from slavery, according to official records.

What follows next has been told through oral history for generations: that the newly freed women and men celebrated their freedom with a communal supper and music. They went to the swamps and seashores and captured land crabs, and to the fields they tirelessly planted and harvested breadkind. They prepared a pot of crab soup, which was served in calabash bowls. They celebrated around a flaming fire and sang ancestral songs while playing rustic instruments. This marked a new beginning for them.

Many of the newly freed ventured off the Corn Islands, while others remained, slowly incorporating themselves into their new lifestyle and working for something of their own. For a while, celebrating emancipation might have drifted away, but it was in 1852, with the arrival of Reverend Edward Kelly from British Honduras (present-day Belize), a son of formerly enslaved people and founder of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and school, the first of these institutions on the islands, that the community annually started celebrating Emancipation Day.

Our oral history tells us that in the North End vicinity, at Benard Bank, under a big fig tree, in the courtyard of Mrs. Teresa Lampson, was the stage for such communal celebrations, where young and old would gather for a thanksgiving service and later share traditional food, including crab soup, and play games.

The fact that islanders started to learn to read and write thanks to the first church and school allowed many to read Bible verses during the celebration and recite poems. From every corner of Great Corn Island: Sandfly Bay, Little Hill, Sally Peachie, South End, Quinn Hill, Southwest Bay and Brig Bay, the few people who lived scattered all around would gather to remember the struggles of their ancestors and celebrate their freedom, the freedom that they inherited.

With the years and decades, and as the Corn Islands began to fully integrate into the national sociopolitical system, the celebration began to evolve. Following the 1979 Sandinista Revolution, Emancipation Day became officially a locally declared holiday and is organised by the local government and neighbourhoods through local committees.

The celebration was also extended to three days, beginning on 27 August with Emancipation Day, followed by Coronation Day, where a pageant to elect the Queen of the Islands is held on 28 August, and since 2009, on 29 August, on Little Corn Island, the Cross Over is held to celebrate the emancipation from slavery.

These three days annually attract hundreds of national and international visitors who visit the islands to witness and be part of the different activities and programmes that take place around this time and to experience much of the Caribbean shores.

Emancipation Day is both a commemoration and celebration. It should be commemorated to remember those who died in the barbaric conditions of slavery; those who were killed or beaten to death trying to escape these conditions; those who died overseas being transported from Africa, or within the Caribbean islands, to be sold and to work in the households or plantation grounds of colonisers. Those who died chained, working or abused in every form possible.

Emancipation Day should also be celebrated as a way of looking forward. Freedom was not a gift granted to our ancestors or a favour, as colonial narratives intend to portray such events, but it was a right that should have been enjoyed from birth but was stripped away under the inhuman system that unfortunately existed and was legally allowed at that time.

Celebrating emancipation should be about reconnecting with our cultural heritage, our food, our clothes, our language, songs, stories, and all that makes us who we are.

Emancipation Day is not about the chains. It is not about slaves, or about “those who granted us freedom.” It is about embracing who we are. It is about renewing our commitment to ourselves, our community, our culture, history and identity.

It is a time to remember to be proud of being Black, Brown or mixed, to be from the Caribbean, from our homeland. This day should always be a synonym of unity, a time that brings the entire community together, near and far, and reminds us that we are all one.

From our past, we find the strength and courage to continue moving forward as our ancestors did, so that in our present, we can recognise and remember who we are, where we are and where we come from, where we are heading, and what our rightful place in this world is.

The years teach us to become better versions of ourselves. They show us how to overcome the obstacles we face along this journey we call life, always pushing us toward growth.

Yet true greatness is not measured by luxury or material wealth. It is found in the experiences we gain and in the people we share them with—those we are fortunate enough to call home, family, and friends.

How lucky I am to have the people I do. For their love, their wisdom, and for being among the many reasons I have to smile and be grateful for this life.

I thank the Creator for His blessings, for the lessons and experiences that continue to shape me, and for the people who make this journey even more meaningful.

As I begin another year of life, my commitment to personal growth—and to doing my part to make the world around me a little better—remains.

I Am the Corn Islands

I am the land

where the Caribbean Sea kisses the shore,

and the golden sun touches every corner.

Where every meal, every baked good,

every dance and every song

carry the resilient story of our ancestors.

I am a land built on the wisdom of our elders,

and shaped by the dreams of new generations.

A place where faith and sport

gather the whole community as one.

I am a land of turquoise and deep waters,

fertile soil and green trees,

all reflecting the vibrant spirit of my people.

I am the Corn Islands—

land of Caribbean Nicaragua.

Shayron Tower, 26 January 2026

With a New Year comes renewed purposes, hopes, and dreams. As we begin 2026, I wish nothing but the best for everyone, especially those who are struggling, alone, or feeling lost.

In the stillness of time we feel at this point of the year, before reality kicks back in for many after these days of pause, I hope you can look back with gratitude at all that you’ve done and learned over the last 12 months—and, in fact, years.

Perhaps things have been a bit difficult lately. You may be grieving, you may have lost someone, or you may be anxiously waiting for important news, or for recovery from whatever is bothering you. It is at times like these that we must remember that hope is not only a noun, but also a verb—one that pushes us forward, keeps us moving, and helps us believe in ourselves and in our surroundings.

For this year, may you find peace within yourself and clarity in the truth. May you get that job, promotion, or scholarship, be accepted into the major you so deeply desire, or finally start the project you have in mind. May you find love, or free yourself from toxic patterns. May you or your loved ones overcome sickness or financial difficulties. May you find yourself, and have the courage to keep moving forward and to feel at home within yourself.

Be kind, be hopeful, and be there for others. In a world marked by selfishness and hatred, these things make a difference—not just for others, but for ourselves as well.

Whatever you may believe in, wherever you may be from, whatever your ethnicity may be, whoever you may love, or whatever your ideologies may be, remember this: we are all one. The things that make us different should be reasons to unite us and to strengthen our shared humanity.

Wishing you a happy New Year.

There were times this year when I looked back at 2015, not because of similar events, but because I realised how many years had passed. It made me reflect on the many things that have happened over the last decade, not only on a personal level, but also around the world.

Ten years ago, the world was quite different. Life seemed a bit simpler in some ways, and many of us were a different version of ourselves than we are now.

Back then, many who are no longer with us were still around, blessing us with their presence, their smiles, and years of accumulated knowledge and wisdom. At the time, some people and moments felt eternal, but looking back now, I realise that as endless as time may feel, it is not.

The past is a reminder of what was and what became of it—of who we were, how we arrived here, and why. Without the past, there is no way of being who we are today. Our experiences, as sweet or bitter as they may be, are where we all come from. They are part of us. They are what shaped us and the world we live in.

As time goes by, we should remember to embrace the present—every moment and every experience—and to love and be kind. In this evolving and complex world we live in, these things truly make a difference.

I hope that during this 2025 you were able to look back at your old self and smile at how far you have come, and that you remembered the lessons and the people who helped you or were part of the process.

For the coming year, I wish you and yours continued growth and good health, and that you continue to find joy in the people and the simple things around you.

Happy holidays!

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak on Dis a Fi Mi History, a Jamaican- and Canadian-based podcast that explores the heritage and history of the greater Caribbean, its communities, and its diaspora.

During the episode, I shared the story behind the creation of the Corn Islands Virtual Library, a project born out of my commitment to cultural conservation and the preservation of community memory. I also reflected on my personal experiences working in heritage and cultural preservation, and on the importance of creating accessible digital spaces where history, identity, and lived experiences can be safeguarded and shared.

The conversation explored the resilient history of the Creole community and Indigenous peoples of the Corn Islands, highlighting how culture, identity, and tradition have been sustained across generations despite ongoing challenges. We discussed the role of storytelling, oral history, and digital archives in ensuring that Caribbean heritage remains visible, respected, and passed on to future generations.

I am grateful for the invitation and for the opportunity to speak not only about my work, but also about my identity and the broader responsibility we share in preserving our collective heritage. Platforms like Dis a Fi Mi History are essential spaces for amplifying Caribbean voices and fostering meaningful dialogue within the region and across the diaspora.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/24JrmlFENpCyLandxIDIws?si=98528c0616734dbc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ni/podcast/saving-corn-island-reviving-caribbean-heritage-through/id1575454501?i=1000742161725&l=en-GB

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_oa7OOxX-34?si=uqTJGmlGMbAQCnJ-

Podbean: https://disafimihisthttporypodcast.podbean.com/e/saving-corn-island-the-virtual-library-reviving-a-caribbean-legacy/?token=2d0a092cf4981e6159c0d6401693d9ec

In alphabetical order, my favourite and most listened to songs of 2025. Some oldies and others recently discovered.

1. 12 to 12 - Sombr
2. 2022 – Anne-Marie
3. 5 Years Time – Noah and The Whale
4. Bloodline – Alex Warren, Jelly Roll
5. Blote Voeten – MAKSIM
6. DAISIES – Justin Bieber
7. Dance With Me – Tones and I
8. Die Young – Kesha
9. DtMF – Bad Bunny
10. Empty Bench – David Kushner
11. End of the World – Miley Cyrus
12. Favorite T-shirt – Jake Scott
13. Follow (I will never let you go) – Zimmer90
14. Following the Sun – SUPER-HI, NEEKA
15. Glide – NEIKED, Portugal. The Man
16. Goal – Myles Smith
17. Good Feelings – Coldplay, Ayra Starr
18. Heart of Gold – Shawn Mendes
19. Heaven Without You – Alex Warren
20. Heaven – Hozier
21. I Always Wanted a Brother – Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu (…)
22. I Can Die Now – Ruel
23. Love Me to Heaven – Jonas Brothers
24. Makes me Wanna Dance – Zimmer90
25. Man I Need – Olivia Dean
26. May I Have This Dance – Francis and the Lights
27. My Soul – BOY LOCO
28. Mystical Magical – Benson Boone
29. Punkrocker (feat. Iggy Pop) – Teddybears, Iggy Pop
30. Show Me Love – WizTheMc, bees & honey
31. Starry Eyed – Good Neighbours
32. Summer Rain – Zimmer90
33. The Hardest Part – Olivia Dean
34. These Words – Natasha Bedingfield
35. Time After Time – Sam Smith
36. Vacation Eyes – Jonas Brothers 
37. Viajando Por El Mundo – KAROL G, Manu Chao
38. Walking in the Wind – One Direction
39. When I Die – Kyle Hume
40. Without You – Avicii

We often underestimate the impact that mental health has on our lives and on the lives of those around us. Sometimes, inherited patterns, transgenerational experiences, certain environments, habits, or even people can negatively affect our mental wellbeing. 

Everyone out there is going through something, whether we know it or not. Let’s be kind to others; we never truly know their struggles. Let’s support them when we can, but above all, let’s also prioritise our own mental wellbeing: say no when we need to, walk away if it brings us peace, and bravely seek help when we need it. 

In a complex world, our minds will always be challenged. But that does not mean we are weak, it simply means we are human, and we all need support from time to time. 

On this World Mental Health Day, let us remember the importance of caring for ourselves and our mental wellbeing, for this is the first step towards being there for others too. 

Let’s take care of ourselves — and one another.

As I learned of the death of Ms Georgina Brack, affectionately known as Miss Betsy, I reflected on the calm, optimistic, and charismatic person she was.

Miss Betsy was one of those people whom life turns into family through bonds. As a child, I remember visiting her and my great-granduncle at Jokeman Bank on Little Corn Island. She would always welcome you with a smile and offer ginger beer or sorrel drink, corn or cassava cake, or whatever she had in the kitchen at the time.

During my teenage years, when hosting programmes at La Isleña radio station, she became one of my faithful listeners. Whenever I saw her, she would say, “I heard you on the air. I always listen to your programme. I’m a faithful listener….” Even in recent years, as part of the archiving work for The Corn Islands Virtual Library, I had the opportunity to sit down with her twice to discuss the history of Little Corn Island and its people, where she generously shared her ancestral knowledge.

Just a few months ago, I had the chance to visit her. During our conversation, I asked her how, despite her age, she still looked so young and strong. She smiled and replied, “Though the knee is a bit weak, I am still going hard. The key is to eat good, not worry about what doesn’t concern you, and live one day at a time.”

Her words always came with a smile, and she always had some conversation to share while sitting, making doormats, or gazing out at the Caribbean Sea, which she called the best view.

For many of us, she was family and someone we had known since a very early age. I truly cherish the conversations and the advice I always received from her.

My condolences to the Sjogreen Brack family on the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother.

Rest in peace, Miss Betsy.

Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island, the day is here once again, when we remember and celebrate the freedom of our ancestors.

The history of our islands is built upon the strength and resilience of those who have roamed these soils for centuries, like the Kukra people, the first to walk the shores of these lands and harvest its grounds up until the mid-1600s. These people were later scattered, caught, and enslaved by the first set of Europeans who visited, some perishing while others merged with the enslaved Africans that were brought over later on from the other side of the Atlantic.

With the arrival of the first British settlers between the late 1600s and early 1700s, Quinn Hill and the southwest area of Great Corn Island became the home of the first foreign families that inhabited the islands, as it was a strategic point, not only for the height of the hill that allowed arriving or passing vessels to be spotted easily, but the shores of Southwest Bay also served as a natural port, where many would anchor when coming from nearby or foreign lands.

These families migrated to the islands to exploit its grounds, and for that reason, they brought over enslaved people from Africa, who would work tirelessly and in inhumane conditions, either at households or on the plantation grounds, where cotton and sugar cane were harvested and later exported to the Greater Caribbean and England. Many of the enslaved people rebelled and tried to escape the life that was forced upon them; some were killed, others were sent away, and the majority were forced to continue working under rain and sun with chains tied to their feet.

However, fate gave a twist and the destiny of these people changed one day. It was on 27 August 1841, that the news of freedom reached our land. Colonel Alexander McDonald, Superintendent of the English Crown in British Honduras, arrived early in the morning on a war vessel at Southwest Bay. He summoned all enslaved people and asked them to call those who were considered their owners at that time, and he proclaimed the Emancipation Act, which, among other things, according to the original document, said:

“…be it enacted, that all enslaved persons on the Corn Islands shall, from this day forward, be free and forever released from slavery.”

McDonald said these words and proclaimed it in the name of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Robert Charles Frederick, King of the Mosquito Coast.

This moment represented a key point in our islands’ history, as there would be no more suffering and chains, for slavery was no more. For that reason, the newly freed women and men decided to celebrate that day with supper; they went to the swamps to catch land crabs and to the fields where they had worked for many years to gather breadkinds and herbs to prepare a crab soup. That night, they ate, sang, and danced to the sound of traditional rhythms, celebrating their freedom.

But the tradition of celebrating emancipation began years later, when Reverend Edward Kelly, from Belize, founded the Ebenezer Baptist Church and School in 1852. Kelly, the son of former enslaved people, reminded the locals of the importance of remembering their parents’ and grandparents’ freedom, and together with the residents, introduced the Emancipation Day celebration in North End, at Bernard Bank, under a big fig tree.

The celebration at first was a Thanksgiving service, where poems, songs, traditional food, and games took place with young and old joining in. But over the decades, especially after 1980, it expanded and became a local holiday as we know it today, with the government promoting and assuming its organisation along with the neighbourhoods.

As we review our historical passages, it is important to acknowledge these two questions: what does celebrating this day truly signify for us as islanders, and primarily for the Creole people? And what does emancipation mean?

This day is more than floats or “carrozas”, as we call them, it is more than the carnival, or even more than the election that takes place. Celebrating this day, our Emancipation Day, is a remembrance of the struggles of our ancestors; we remember those who perished fighting for their freedom and we celebrate the legacy that has been handed down to us by our grandparents. We celebrate the rich culture that we have, evident not only through our features, but also through our food, language, and beliefs.

On this day, we do not celebrate crabs, as delicious as the soup may be; we celebrate our identity, we celebrate who we are. And for that reason, we must all remember that our responsibility is to conserve our culture not only on special occasions, but to let our culture be part of our daily life, and share it with others – with our family, neighbours, and friends – so we can all embrace and enjoy our roots for them to live on.

Emancipation means being proud of who we are and where we come from. It is not celebrating chains, but celebrating authenticity. It is to embrace who we are, the things that make us different, that make us unique, and proud, while still being part of a greater nation like ours. That and much more is emancipation, and we must keep it, we must celebrate it, we must conserve it, we must never let it die, no matter how near or far we are from home. 

As we reconnect with our history and shared heritage, let us also remember those who dedicated their lives to conserving it – our grandparents, our great-grandparents, or remarkable people who sadly are no longer with us, like Mrs Lestel Downs and others, or those who still live today and whose ancestral knowledge we should embrace.

So, my brothers and sisters, islanders, let us not forget who we are, and why we celebrate this day. Let us continue being proud of who we are and continue living day by day our identity.

Happy Emancipation Day to all!

Not many people have the privilege of having their great-grandparents around them, but I was lucky enough to be one of those few.

My great-grandmother, or Granny Maggie as all of us used to call her, was a hardworking woman, independent and faithful. From making nacatamals, selling bolis, doormats made out of recycled cloth, guava jelly, and much more, she knew how to do things on her own, rarely ever asking much from others.

She always believed that God would provide for her every day, and as she cut coconuts in the afternoon to later feed her chickens, she would hum the gospel medleys she listened to on the radio—her way of connecting with her Creator.

With her blue eyes, sitting in solitude, she would look out to the horizon of the Caribbean from her native Sandfly Bay, monologuing or healing whoever passed by, yelling, “Granny.”

I will forever cherish the conversations I had with her in her kitchen or living room, ever since I was a kid, where she would recall with pleasure some of her experiences from her youth, share a spooky tale that crossed her mind, or tell me the latest news I wasn’t aware of.

Her guava jelly never failed whenever I visited her before leaving the island. She would always put it in a black bag and tell me to take it for the end of the trip, to eat with bread.

With the little she had, she tried to share with others, even if it was a plate of rundown, fried fish or a boli. She was happy and valued those who were always around. For me, she was an example of the joy and pleasure a simple and independent life brings.

As she now rests and has travelled to where she always called “Up there, Home,” I honour her life and am thankful for having her around throughout my childhood and young adult life.

She will surely be deeply missed by those who loved and cared for her. 

Rest in peace, Granny!

Another year to continue growing and harvesting achievements. Another year to learn and embrace the gift of life.

I am grateful for all of life’s blessings, and for the extraordinary people and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

As I continue on my path, I look forward to all that lies ahead, as every experience—whether bitter or sweet—is what leads us to where we are meant to be.

Cheers to all that is to come!

Even the strongest tree falls after resisting many years of storms and windy days, but this is sometimes necessary for seeds to grow in its place, to bear stronger roots and a stronger trunk.

So is the journey of us humans. We rise, and when at the peak, we sometimes feel like we are falling. Whenever we do, it may seem like the end. However, there is a chance to grow in every situation we face, as joyful or painful as it may be.

Just like a tree, the key is to be rooted in fertile soil and surrounded by others who shelter and uplift us, like roots intertwined beneath the ground, until our branches have reached the sky and dense foliage once more.

As the season comes and goes, so do the leaves, flakes, and petals of them all, each with the promise of something much more beautiful. In the end, that is time’s way of shaping us all. As one with this earth, we each experience different sunsets and twilight, just to become something much greater.

As we celebrate Winter Graduation, I warmly congratulate the postgraduate Class of 2023/2024 from the School of Global Studies of the University of Sussex.

This academic year has been an extraordinary journey of learning, enriched by the diversity and cultural vibrancy of Sussex, which has broadened our perspectives on the world.

It has been a privilege to represent the International Relations class and department as a Student Rep and to contribute to the Global Studies Student Experience Group (SSEG). Working to ensure students’ voices were heard and their needs addressed has been deeply rewarding.

Wishing everyone a future filled with growth and success. 

Shayron Tower 

IR Student Rep 

Class of 2023/2024

Happy New Year to everyone! May 2025 bring you renewed strength and steadfast determination to pursue your goals and fulfil your most heartfelt aspirations.

My favourite songs of 2024. 

1. Almost (Sweet Music) – Hozier
2. Arcade – Duncan Laurence
3. Be Kind – Zak Abel
4. Catch 22 – Alli, Anne-Marie
5. Clouds – JVKE
6. Cloudy Day – Tones and I
7. Esta Vida – Marshmello ft. Farruko
8. Fairytale – Livingston
9. Kleur – Snelle
10. La Vida la Vida – Joséan Log
11. Lullaby – Rilan
12. Mi Amor – Sam Feldt, JVKE, Annits
13. Mona Lisa – Dominic Fike
14. Praise Jah in the Moonlight – YG Markey
15. Pretty Slowly – Benson Boone
16. Too Sweet – Hozier
17. What Love Is – Zimmer90
18. What Would I Change It To – Avicii
19. Whisper – Myles Smith
20. Why Why Why – Shawn Mendes

A few days ago, I was reading the holiday messages I’ve written over the past eight years, and it made me realise how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and how much the world has changed around me.

2024 is no exception. It has felt like a novel—a year full of emotions, with its highs and lows. A year of memorable moments, special people, and meaningful achievements, but also of tough lessons. Through it all, the sunny days have taught me to cherish the present, and the cloudy ones have helped me find strength in the good within and around me.

This year, as with the good moments, there were people who made the tough days easier and the good days even better. I’m grateful to those who have reminded me how lucky I am for my life and for the people—like them—who are part of it.

There’s so much I will carry with me and be thankful for in 2024 because every experience, whether sweet or bitter, shapes us. And as we grow, we eventually find our way to where we need to be.

As the year draws to a close and a new one begins, I wish everyone happiness within themselves and in the simplicity of life. May you find your path and discover peace in your surroundings.

Happy holidays to everyone!

From the pebble-strewn shores of Brighton, England, to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, this week I received my diploma, officially awarding me the title of Master of Arts, with Merit, in International Relations from the University of Sussex.

That little island boy who once visited the beach almost daily to watch the sunset would be amazed by the many obstacles he has overcome throughout his life and proud of the experiences and accomplishments he has achieved so far.

For some, this may seem like an insignificant or conventional milestone. For me, however, it represents the result of hard work, determination, and commitment. It is a step not everyone can take, often due to economic constraints, but it becomes possible when the right path and means are discovered.

Anything and everything is possible when we believe in ourselves and work tirelessly, selflessly, and with virtue to achieve our dreams. Set your goals and work towards them—don’t let anyone bring you down. You define the life you want for yourself, and even for others, through the power of education.

As the quarter-century mark approaches, I look forward to continuing to work towards my aspirations in the coming years, remaining committed to serving others and helping to better my surroundings.

The best is yet to come. Ad Astra.

A hardworking, persistent, independent woman of faith – these are just some of the many words that describe who my late grandmother was.

Her life was a testament to how hard work and dedication can take you where you need to be.

She always had something to share – whether it was a story from her past, a tale from a novel or history book she had read, or a verse from the Bible – and each one always carried a lesson to be learned.

We were fortunate to have had her in our lives. She was always there for anyone who needed her and kept us all close, from childhood to adulthood.

Thank you, grann', for scolding us when necessary, for being our home dentist, seamstress, and counsellor, and for looking after us as we grew up.

You will forever be remembered by those of us who cherished your company and loved you dearly.

Fly high – you are now with the love of your life.

Rest in peace, grandma!

I am happy to share that I have officially completed my postgraduate studies and can now proudly say that I hold a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex.

Gratitude is what I feel right now. I am thankful to our Creator and to everyone who accompanied me throughout this journey—those near and far—encouraging me to give my all and reminding me of the potential I have within.

This achievement represents many years of hard work and selfless service, which have provided me with the tools, consciousness and motivation to continue striving to make a difference and to keep growing as a person.

This experience not only brought me the fruit of knowledge but also offered valuable lessons that contributed to my personal and professional growth, as well as moments and people I am forever grateful to have encountered and shared with.

I dedicate this accomplishment to those who have always been present, providing me with the drive and support I needed throughout this year, as well as to the people who have stood by my side through various stages of my life.

The best is yet to come!

Shayron Tower, MA