NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Gabrielle Sullivan is set to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Greenwich in London as one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
Sullivan, 26, aims to leverage the specialized knowledge gained from her postgraduate studies to address the critical issue of food security in The Bahamas.
Gabrielle’s studies will be funded by Blue Action Lab (BAL), an innovation hub based in Grand Bahama, in partnership with the Chevening Scholarship program.
Rupert Hayward, President and Chairman of BAL, stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to support the education of the next generation of Bahamian leaders. This scholarship provides bright young minds with the financial security they need to acquire knowledge and skills that are vital for tackling the biggest challenges facing the country today.”
Gabrielle is one of three Bahamian scholars receiving funding from Blue Action Lab for studies in the UK. Additionally, the Hayward Foundation, the charitable trust of the Hayward family, is fully supporting three more Bahamian Chevening recipients.
“Food security is among the many pressing issues confronting The Bahamas, especially concerning climate resilience,” Gabrielle remarked. “We must pioneer sustainable agriculture and fisheries, along with other strategies that can help our population become more independent from global supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate disruption, as seen with recent hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges: “Following these difficult events, it is our national challenge to build back better and stronger than ever, which requires achieving a significantly higher level of food security than we have had in the past.”
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Gabrielle decided to pursue further innovation-focused studies, recognizing that countries like The Bahamas are running out of time to enhance sustainability and develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“As climate change accelerates, our economy and way of life are becoming increasingly vulnerable,” she stated. “We have less than a decade to take the necessary steps to protect our homes and businesses before the risks become irreversible.”
The Chevening Scholarship program enables outstanding students worldwide to undertake fully-funded master’s degree studies at accredited UK universities, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and air travel.
Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian—a record-setting Category 5 storm that devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama—Blue Action Lab focuses on implementing climate-resilient technologies and ecosystem restoration projects while providing educational and internship opportunities for Bahamians interested in developing the blue and green economy.
Hayward underscored the importance of empowering young Bahamians like Gabrielle, saying, “This is vital not only for preparing The Bahamas for the impacts of climate change but also for building a better, more sustainable country.”
He added, “I find inspiration in people like Gabrielle, who are committed to being part of the solution to some of the most pressing issues we face as a small island developing state. Gabrielle has demonstrated a keen awareness of our particular vulnerabilities in The Bahamas and is relentless in her pursuit of knowledge to drive climate innovation and sustainable solutions.”
“We at Blue Action Lab are proud to facilitate her studies, which will undoubtedly equip her with the resources to become a key player in improving sustainability. We wish Gabrielle the very best in this new endeavor and eagerly await her contributions to developing a resilient Bahamas.”
Tom Hartley, British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, added, “We’re so proud that Gabrielle has secured her full scholarship to the UK, thanks to the financial support from Blue Action Lab. Her studies in agriculture will be fully utilized as soon as she returns next year. We can’t wait to see her work in action!”
The Chevening Scholarships Programme began in 1983 as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Awards Scheme (FCOAS) and is funded by the British government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its partner organizations. The objective of the scheme is to build a network of future leaders in their countries who will be friends of the UK.
Loading ...
