Two Students Awarded Full Cruise Port Scholarships

Two outstanding Saint Lucian students are set to pursue undergraduate degrees abroad with their educational expenses fully covered following the award of scholarships by Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) on Friday, August 7.

Shyne Savory, who will attend Bishop’s University to pursue Arts Administration with a concentration in Drama and a minor in Marketing, and Rhea Barrett, who will attend Florida State University to study Cell and Molecular Neuroscience, are the two recipients of the 2026 Saint Lucia Cruise Port Scholarship.

The scholarships cover major expenses for up to four years, including tuition, accommodation, books, meals and airfare, allowing the recipients to pursue their studies without the financial burden associated with an international undergraduate education.

The awards mark the second year of the SLCP scholarship programme, which was launched in 2025 and initially supported four students pursuing degrees in engineering and medicine. For the 2026 cycle, SLCP broadened its approach to focus on two categories—STEM and non-STEM fields—in an effort to align the programme with national workforce priorities.

The latest cycle attracted 93 applications from high-achieving students with strong academic records, community involvement and interests spanning a range of disciplines.

SLCP said the selection process was designed to preserve transparency, applicant anonymity and integrity. Applications were submitted through a dedicated online platform, with artificial intelligence assisting with the initial screening and shortlisting process. A scholarship committee subsequently conducted a blind review of shortlisted applicants, assessing academic merit, leadership potential and alignment with national priorities.

Bernice Marcellin, Director of the Human Resource Development Unit within the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, underscored the importance of developing professionals capable of contributing across different sectors noting that “we need professionals who are prepared to lead across all fields and disciplines, strengthen our institutions, create new opportunities, and position Saint Lucia to compete confidently on the global stage.”

Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment and Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, John Paul Estephane, also welcomed the contribution of private-sector organisations to national development.

He expressed that “The Ministry of Tourism fully supports private entities that look beyond immediate financial gain and contribute to the very fabric of our society, particularly to our future, our youth,” he said, applauding SLCP for its investment in education.

For SLCP General Manager and Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean, Lancelot Arnold, the scholarship programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to its guiding principle of “Investing in People.”

Arnold said the company was honoured to support its second cohort of scholars and noted that recipients from the 2025 programme continue to perform well academically and beyond the classroom.

He expressed confidence that Savory and Barrett would make their own contributions to Saint Lucia through their respective fields.

Notably, the scholarship programme is not the only initiative through which SLCP is seeking to advance national development here in Saint Lucia.

The port has also introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme, a global initiative aimed at improving accessibility for passengers with non-visible disabilities.

Passengers who choose to wear a sunflower lanyard or pin can discreetly indicate that they may require additional assistance, extra time or understanding while navigating the port, without having to disclose details about their disability or medical condition.

The programme, which originated in the United Kingdom in 2016, has since been adopted by more than 330 airports, healthcare centres, government agencies and other organisations in more than 90 countries.

SLCP plans to roll out the initiative ahead of the 2026/2027 cruise season through training for port-related agencies and the installation of signage at all berths to increase awareness among staff and passengers.

Both initiatives stand to make a positive impact on the country in the coming years.