A star is born
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 6th 2010 (PAM Secretariat) - Ms. Natasha Shanicia Grey – affectionately known by most people as “Shani” a proud daughter of the soil and product of the prestinely proud city of Newtown, graduated from the University of Huddersfield in England with an Upper Second Class Bachelor’s Degree in Law on July 14th.
Natasha’s beacon began to shine from an early age when she attended Ms. Martin’s Pre-school at the tender age of two. She ventured on to the Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School where she continued to excel as her academic ability was proven when she was allowed to fast-track to Grade 2 after a mere two months in her new school. Natasha did well and excelled in Primary School where she exhibited her sharp and witty intellect in various spelling Competitions where she represented the school and in the process no doubt helped to build her confidence and self-esteem. After successfully completing her primary school education, Shanni went on to the then Basseterre Junior High School and the Basseterre High School for her secondary education where she successfully sat 6 ‘O’ Level subjects. Although she did not go on to further her studies at the Sixth Form level which was a choice of her own, she was still persistent in her ultimate goal of pursuing a law degree and becoming a successful lawyer. Hence, she attended afternoon classes at the Washington Archibald College and was able to obtain an ‘O’ Level and ‘A’ Level Passes in Law.
Shanny became a proud mother at a very early age. However that circumstance did not in any way deter her from pursuing a career in law which is evidenced by her achievements today as a successful law school graduate. She worked full-time at Caines Auto Services for ten years after finishing High School during which time she gained a wealth of experience and knowledge thanks to all those she worked with but more importantly her former boss Mr. Richard L. Caines, former Junior Minister of Finance and one of the founders of the Peoples Action Movement. Mr. Caines has played a significant part in her life. As a full-time single mother to her wonderful son Deshan and a full time worker, Natasha still found time to attend evening classes at the University of West Indies Distance Learning Centre where she was able to obtain passes in core Foundation Courses for a Law Degree.
The 2010 East Basseterre PAM Campaign manager then took the bold step in 2007, and left her family, friends and loved ones behind to journey to London to pursue her law degree. While studying at Holborn College, a franchise of University of Huddersfield, she was able to make many friends and also impact upon the lives of those she met. For three years Natasha had the privilege of being the Student Representative for her peers where she represented the student body on issues pertaining to their college life. More importantly, Natasha was able to work part-time, study, represent her peers and still achieve the position of being the top student in her class every year. For this she was awarded a Merit Award for each year.
She wishes to thank the Almighty for the strength and wisdom to endure one of the greatest achievements in her life, her parents, Beryl Grey and Merlin Powell for their support and for a great upbringing, her entire family circle and all her friends and well-wishers that have supported her thus far. She also wants to pay a special “thank you” to the East Basseterre People’s Action Movement family, particularly, Inez Caines-Browne and Dr. Leroy Richardson for all that their unwavering support and all they have done for her. She does not intend to leave anyone out and so wants to thank everyone who has been there for her in any way over the last three years, whether it be financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually. She would like everyone to keep her in their prayers as she ventures into the next step of her career.
Natasha will be attending the City Law School in London in September where she will be undergoing her Bar Professional Training Course for a year. We wish her continued success, endurance and wisdom as she continues her journey to the advancement of her career where she would be able to have a positive impact on society in the years to come.
