There are some journeys that are measured not only in kilometres travelled, but in courage, sacrifice, and the growth a person has within themselves.
For the graduates gathered at the Rabat Marriott Hotel in Morocco and joined virtually via livestream on YouTube, on Saturday, September 12, that journey was celebrated at the OECS Graduate Recognition Ceremony, held under the theme “Through Perseverance Comes Triumph.”
The ceremony was more than a recognition of academic achievement.
It was a celebration of young people from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) who left the familiarity of their homes and communities to pursue opportunities thousands of kilometres away, navigating a new country, a new culture, new classrooms and, in many cases, the challenge of finding their footing far from the people and places that had shaped them.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ian Queeley reflected on the significance of the graduates’ journey and the resilience required to see it through.
“Perseverance is not just finishing your degree. Perseverance is how the world gets built, one deliberate decision at a time, by the people who refuse to quit on their purpose in life. Yes, your degree is a major achievement, but it’s also a responsibility. The knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences you have gained should now be translated into action.
“Use them to contribute. Use them to create. Use them to lead. And wherever your journey takes you, remember where you started.
“You are not just talented. Talent is a gift you were given. Triumph is a decision you made, and every graduate throughout this journey made it again and again until it became who you are.”
The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, who challenged the graduates to see their experience as something much greater than the degrees and qualifications they had earned.
