UWI Alumni Association - Anguilla Chapter

Happy Anguilla Day!

Celebrated annually on May 30th, Anguilla Day commemorates the island's decisive step toward selt-governance and its separation from the associated state of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1967.

This day is marked by a vibrant display of national pride, featuring parades, boat racing, and community gatherings that highlight the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Anguilla Day is a testament to the determination and spirit of the Anguillian people, celebrating their journey toward autonomy and their unique identity.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the island's culture, enjoy its scenic beauty, and partake in the joyous festivities. 🇦🇮💪🏾🧡🤍🩵

‼️📣📢🔔REMINDER-Completing Students Semester II 2025/2026✨

All students completing their programme by the end of Semester II 202/2026 (May 2026) are required to complete the form via this link https://forms.gle/ofxtEUZLpGYJ2HkUA by May 31, 2026. Further information can be found in the initial email sent on February 12, 2026.

‼️📣📢🔔REMINDER-Completing Students Semester II 2025/2026✨
All students completing their programme by the end of Semester II 2025/2026 (May 2026) are required to complete the form via this link https://forms.gle/ofxtEUZLpGYJ2HkUA by May 31, 2026. Further information can be found in the initial email sent on February 12, 2026. UWIGC Guild of Students Anguilla Chapter UWI Alumni Association - Anguilla Chapter

PELICAN HGHLIGHT👏✨✅‼️ Saluting Shayne Adamson-2025 Recipient of the ACOCI Scholarship. Shayne is a continuing student, pursuing a BSc. Financial Management. The ACOCI Scholarship Fund was created by the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry to do exactly what it did for Shayne. Through ACOCI’s collaboration with The University of the West Indies, the fund helps to identify potential in a young person, meets them where they are, and gives them the support to go further.

Shayne's story is proof that this investment matters. But he is one student. There are others waiting who are equally capable, equally driven and who simply need someone to believe in them enough to contribute. UWIGC Guild of Students Anguilla Chapter ANGLEC Anguilla Chamber Commerce

Meet Shayne Adamson - ACOCI's 2025 Scholarship Recipient

The Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACOCI) Scholarship Fund exists for moments exactly like this one. Moments where a young Anguillian with drive, discipline, and a clear vision simply needs someone in their corner to say — we see you, and we've got you. This year, that person is Shayne. And we could not be prouder to help make his dream a reality by covering tuition payments at the University of the West Indies. Read his story below.

Some people stumble into opportunity. Others quietly prepare for it. When it arrives, they recognize it immediately.

Shayne is the latter kind of person.
Shayne was born in Jamaica, but Anguilla is where he was raised and became who he is. He carries the quiet confidence of someone who has been shaped by small island life.

"It's a small community," he reflects, "so you learn very early on the value of relationships, hard work, and reputation. People notice when you apply yourself, and they also notice when you don't."

This is a lesson he holds tightly.

Driven by Curiosity

Growing up, Shayne was the kind of child who wanted to understand how things worked. This included organizations, businesses, electronics, and machines. That natural curiosity, paired with the encouragement of family, friends, and mentors, quietly laid the groundwork for the path he is now walking.

Today, Shayne is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Financial Management at the University of the West Indies.

"I've always had a natural interest in strategy, managing money effectively, and understanding how decisions today influence tomorrow," he says. "Even on a personal level, I've always been intentional about managing resources and thinking long-term. Finance provides the analytical tools to apply that same thinking on a much larger scale within organizations."

It is the kind of self-awareness that is rare in someone his age — the ability to look inward, identify a pattern of thinking, and then find the academic discipline that gives it structure and power.

The Call That Changed Everything

Shayne first learned about the ACOCI scholarship through the staff at UWI.

He recalls, "About two weeks earlier, I had been speaking with a colleague about my desire to secure a scholarship or some form of financial support. So, when the opportunity was brought to my attention, I couldn't help but wonder if it was God's answer to that very request."
He applied and waited to see how things unfolded.

A few weeks later, his phone rang. It was ACOCI congratulating him on his success.

"I looked up and quietly expressed my gratitude, feeling truly honored and thankful. It felt like a direct answer to my request and a meaningful recognition of all the effort I'd put into my education." He was standing next to a coworker when the call came through and she was the first person he told. "In that moment, I paused to appreciate how far I'd come, and I felt a renewed motivation to keep pushing forward."

The Reality of University Life

Shayne does not romanticize the university experience. He speaks about it honestly as something both demanding and deeply worthwhile.

"My experience at UWI has been both challenging and rewarding. University pushes you to think more critically and independently.
He shared, "What surprised me most is how much responsibility falls on the student. You have a lot of freedom, but that freedom requires discipline and strong time management."
Balancing the academic workload alongside other responsibilities has been his greatest challenge and his greatest teacher. "I've learned that success in that environment comes down to structure and persistence, staying organized, managing time carefully, and keeping long-term goals in mind. Once you develop that discipline, the challenges become much more manageable."

Motivated by a Decision

When asked about his greatest source of motivation, Shayne's answer is both unexpected and deeply moving.

"To be honest, my greatest source of motivation is less a who and more a what."

He pauses before continuing. "It came from witnessing the struggles within my family lineage and making the decision that I would become the antithesis of that cycle."

It is a quietly powerful statement.

Shayne continued, "I'm driven by the idea of building something meaningful and creating opportunities that didn't always exist before. Knowing that the work I'm doing now can open doors in the future keeps me focused."

Eyes on the Horizon

In five to ten years, Shayne sees himself in consulting, corporate strategy, or business restructuring, working alongside organizations navigating complex challenges and helping them find their footing again.

"I'm particularly interested in helping organizations navigate difficult periods and reposition themselves for long-term success," he says. "Understanding financial performance, risk, and strategic decision-making is essential if you want to help companies solve complex problems and improve their operations."

And closer to home? Shayne is clear about where his heart is anchored. "I'd like to contribute to the economic development of Anguilla by applying what I've learned to help businesses grow and become more resilient." He sees his education as a tool to pour into the community that helped shape him.

To the Young Person Who Is Hesitating

If there is a young person in Anguilla — or anywhere — reading this and talking themselves out of applying for a scholarship, out of pursuing a degree, out of taking a chance on themselves, Shayne has something to say to them.

"I would tell them not to count themselves out before they even try. Opportunities like scholarships exist to support people who are willing to put in the effort and take a chance on themselves. Applying might feel intimidating, but you never know what doors can open if you take that step. Sometimes the difference between success and missed opportunity is simply having the courage to apply."

Invest in the Next Shayne

The ACOCI Scholarship Fund was created by the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry to do exactly what it did for Shayne. Through ACOCI’s collaboration with the University of the West Indies, the fund helps to identify potential in a young person, meets them where they are, and gives them the support to go further.
Shayne's story is proof that this investment matters. But he is one student. There are others waiting who are equally capable, equally driven and who simply need someone to believe in them enough to contribute.

If Shayne's story moved you, consider being part of the next one.

Your contribution to the ACOCI Scholarship Fund helps promising Anguillian students pursuing business-focused degrees turn ambition into achievement.

To contribute to the ACOCI Scholarship Fund, contact us at [email protected] or 1-264-235-2839.