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Announcing the recipients of the Judy Simmons Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honour the memory of Judy Simmons, a woman whose life reflected a deep commitment to education, community, and opportunity for young people. The recipients embody those values.
| | Supporting students from the Grenadines who are studying at post-secondary institutions in the CARICOM region, the award recognizes determination and academic excellence as well as a demonstrated desire to contribute to the communities throughout the Grenadines. Each scholarship covers the cost of tuition for the 2025-26 academic year. This year there are three recipients: | | |
Reneé Theresa Sandy is a second-year Civil Engineering student at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Reneé grew up on Mayreau and attended St. Vincent Girls’ High School, where she served as a peer counselor, providing emotional support and guidance to fellow students. She continued her studies at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, completing the CAPE program in the sciences.
Now a student at UWI, she’s not only excelling in her studies but also serving as Public Relations Officer for the Mona Engineering Society and taking on leadership roles within her residence. For the past seven years, she’s also been an active member of the Renaissance Dance Company.
Reneé remains deeply connected to home community. She has served as a teacher at the Mayreau Government School, where she worked with students to support their academic development.
She has also volunteered through her church, mentoring youth, and gaining hands-on experience with a civil engineering firm. Her goal is to become a structural engineer who helps design resilient, sustainable infrastructure across St. Vincent and the wider Caribbean.
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Kylia Ollivierre grew up in Paget Farm, Bequia. and recently graduated from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, where she pursued studies in Biology, Spanish, and Digital Media. This September, she begins her next chapter at the University of the Southern Caribbean, studying Biology with a focus on Biomedical Science. Her dream is to become a biomedical researcher and health advocate—developing solutions to improve health outcomes across the Caribbean, especially in communities where resources are limited.
Her journey has been shaped not only by academic achievement but also by a deep commitment to service. Through her church and the Pathfinder Club, Kylia has taken part in food basket distributions, youth programs, hospital visits, and community clean-ups. She has also given her time to Vacation Bible School and youth mentorship, always finding ways to uplift others.
Kylia has shown resilience, determination, and a passion for learning that inspires those around her.
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Uthan Tyrese McIntosh is entering the civil engineering program at the University of the West Indies. His personal journey blends academics, creativity, and service, and has applied his skills beyond the classroom. Rooted in a family legacy of builders, Uthan’s dream is to become a civil engineer specializing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure. One of his most meaningful experiences was serving as Clerk of Works on the renovation of the Bequia Community High School—the very same school his great-grandfather, grandfather, and great-uncles helped construct decades ago. For him, building is not just about structures, but about legacy, service, and strengthening communities for the future.
Outside of academics, Uthan is also a musician skilled in four instruments, a certified sailor with both RYA and ASA credentials, and an active volunteer. From environmental clean-ups and hurricane relief to supporting displaced families after the 2021 La Soufrière eruption, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to service and resilience.
| | We are proud to support Kylia, Uthan, and Reneé, and we can’t wait to see the difference they will make in their communities and beyond. | | |
Summer programs at the Learning Centre
Supporting learning outcomes, having fun, and building a community of learners
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By Tylisha Miller
From July 14th to August 8th, 2025, The Learning Center hosted its annual summer program, welcoming over 40 enthusiastic students for four enriching weeks of learning, creativity, and connection. This year’s program offered classes for children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade, with a few eager preschoolers also joining the fun.
We were especially fortunate to have four incredible volunteers—Blessing Pierre, Mai-le Bynoe, Errianna Osborne, and Italia John—who brought their energy, dedication, and creativity to the classroom each day. Ranging from high school attendees to college graduates, they played an essential role in supporting teachers and leading vibrant art projects that lit up the students’ imaginations.
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Throughout the summer, students participated in academic catch-up activities, engaging art projects, friendly competitions, and a much-anticipated talent show that showcased their unique gifts. It was a season filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.
A heartfelt thank you to the Grenadines Initiative for making this program possible. Their generous support provided all the materials, snacks, juice, and supplies we needed to keep the program running smoothly and joyfully.
Thanks to our volunteers, supporters, and energetic students, the 2025 summer program was nothing short of a success.
| | For more information on our programs, and for ways you can support the work of the Grenadines Initiative, reach out by responding to this email or using the contacts below. | | | | |
