Scholarship Awarded To Kamilah Cannonier
Ms. Kamilah Cannonier has been selected as the recipient of the E. Laverne Furbert Continuing Education Award, a $5,000 scholarship offered by the family of the late Laverne Furbert.
The award seeks to support Bermudians over the age of 30, who are looking to attend the Bermuda College in pursuit of further education towards a first degree.
It was offered by the family of the late community activist and trade unionist E. Laverne Furbert, who was an advocate of the merits of further education, particularly for mature students. Eligible applicants were those who were looking to pursue any Associate Degree programme facilitated by the Bermuda College.
Ms Cannonier in the center, with two of Ms Furbert’s grandchildren: Xavier Ramsay and Zen Joseph
“The successful applicant for the E. Laverne Furbert Continuing Education Award 2021 was Ms. Kamilah Cannonier. She is 38 years old. In her application, she stated that she decided to return to Bermuda College and finish an Associates degree in Business Administration that she started working towards a number of years ago. Kamilah is well known locally for her talents as an accomplished baker which underpinned the successful opening of her bakery business Sweet SAAK in St. Georges in September 2011,” a spokesperson said.
“She has also undertaken previous education opportunities through the Bermuda College Culinary Arts Programme as well as the Institute of Culinary Education in New York city. Along with her business endeavours in the kitchen and her personal pursuit of higher education and training, Kamilah has also acted to serve her community through performing voluntary community service including previously holding the role of club secretary for St. David’s County Cricket Club.
In her successful application, Ms. Cannonier wrote about her personal admiration and respect for the late community activist, PLP and trade union stalwart, saying: “I have always admired and respected Ms. Furbert. She was even a valued customer of my bakery. She always stopped in when in St. George’s and I even delivered personal orders to her a few times at the Union office.
“Although I may not have always assumed the same political stance, I was grateful that she, a PLP and BIU stalwart ensured that the Bermuda public knew our rights, our history and did not back down from any form of injustice.
“I was saddened to hear of her passing as I, like so many other Bermudians, had never considered political commentary without the voice of Mrs. Laverne Furbert. I am happy to have had the opportunity to interact with her and I appreciated her kind-heartedness.
“I have already been positively impacted by Mrs. Furbert and to her family and the scholarship panel, thank you again for considering me for this scholarship and I know the memory of Ms. Furbert will live on and live strong,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the family of Ms. Furbert, her son Dr. David Chapman told Bernews, “We are excited to award the E. Laverne Furbert Continuing Education Award to Ms. Kamilah Cannonier.
“Ms. Cannonier is an excellent applicant and her desire to continue her education despite being a mother to several children as well as working full-time resonates completely with my mother’s own path and something she would personally highly appreciate!
“We also know of Ms. Cannonier’s volunteer work in the community and applaud her for providing an example of both service and excellence for all, especially the young people of Bermuda.
“We hope that this education award allows Ms. Cannonier to continue her personal journey of success and leads her on to even greater accomplishments and endeavors in the future.”
Congratulations Kamlah..Warrior Spirited in all her endeavour.
Too bad there are no wars here.
There is… haven’t you heard what loads of Bermudians are 5alkung about, have you not seen online news reports or other media. Best get caught up and awake.