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BFEC's shining graduate Princess J. London overcoming obstacles

- Graduates with a GPA of 8.009 and 11 CXC subjects
Ms Princess Joyel London graduated from the Bregado Flax Educational Centre this year with a GPA of 8.009 out of a possible 9 and this included 6 distinctions and 3 credits. She also has 11 subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC/Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) level. Photo: gofundme.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Her excellent performance and achievements may have been low-keyed at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre’s 2012 graduation but 16-year-old Princess Joyel London has done herself and family extremely proud and is continuing on the challenging road to pursue her dream of becoming a Forensic Accountant.

Ms London graduated with a GPA of 8.009 of a possible 9 and this included 6 distinctions and 3 credits. And only last week Ms London realised one of her academic goals, which was to attain 11 subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC/Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) level. She had already received 7 grade ones and two 2s and sat two other subjects privately, the results of which were only released last week.

It is not yet clear whether Ms London had the best performance at CXC/CSEC in the Territory as individual results have not been publicly disclosed.

Also in 2011, Ms London supposedly made her school proud when she was named the 3rd runner up in the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Telecom Expo Essay Competition.

Virgin Islands News Online spoke to the scholastic achiever, who disclosed that she has now begun the journey of fulfilling one of her dreams, which is to become a Forensic Accountant.

Unfortunately, for Ms London, however, she has only been residing in the Virgin Islands for three years and could not receive a government scholarship to pursue studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) at Paraquita Bay on Tortola.

This means that she has to attend the college as a foreign student and pay higher tuition fees, which is approximately US$1725.00 per semester and an actual total of US$ 7000 (excluding books). Ms London, who is originally from Dominica, is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.

“I live in the Caribbean and it saddens me that there is only one qualified Forensic Accountant in this region who is from this region,” Ms London stated on the website www.gofundme.com.

Meanwhile, Ms London’s mother, Keturah London recalled that it was a very satisfying moment for her when her daughter’s results were made known “because I had seen her work hard. I had seen her toil night after night. I know she had that desire to really do well at CXC.”

Although expressing some disappointment that her daughter was not given the sort of recognition that she deserved for her achievement, Keturah said it is her desire to see her daughter further her education. “She is at college now and I would like to see her continue her studies at college and do her best and not to be discouraged at what happened in the past...”

Noting that she respects the fact that her daughter also could not receive a government scholarship because she has only been residing in the VI for three years, Keturah said it has been difficult to meet the financial demands for her daughter to continue her academic pursuits.

“It is really hard because it was not a budget that we were ready for. It has been difficult just to reach her travel expenses of four days a week from Virgin Gorda to Tortola and return plus her meals.”

Keturah, however, expressed gratitude to Mr. Paul Fenty from the Bregado Flax Educational Centre and her church- Sanctuary of Hope New Testament Church of God, who she said have made efforts to assist. Someone has also pledged to assist Ms London in a significant way next year.

But so hungry for further success and to fulfil her desire of becoming a Forensic Accountant is Princess London that she has embarked on a drive to raise funds for her tuition and has posted her profile on the website www.gofundme.com, although she admitted that the response has not been to what she was hoping for.

London is also optimistic that she will receive that needed assistance and not be interrupted from her studies at HLSCC. She also said the workload is much easier at HLSCC as she is doing five subjects whereas in high school she was doing nine so she is looking forward to doing well at HLSCC with a GPA of 4.0 and move on to university to do the actual courses to become a Forensic Accountant.

Her role model, Ms London shared, is Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr.,  an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, who was born in Detroit, Michigan and was raised by his single mother, Sonya Carson.

Reading one of his best selling books ‘Gifted Hand’, Ms London said, “It really inspired me because he came from a poor family for though he had extreme financial difficulties... but was still on top of his class. He put aside television and other distractions to focus on his work...”

Apart from lots of studies, Ms London has ambitions of one day opening her own business as well as a dance school and wants to join a netball club, which was recently started in Virgin Gorda.

The ambitious teenager gives much thanks to God and also her mother, who she said continues to motivate her and make her believe that she can do anything that she wants to do as longs as she puts her mind to it. She also said her two brothers and father are also instrumental in helping her to succeed in academics. She gives thanks also to the staff of Bregado Flax Educational Centre and her supportive friends.

Anyone wishing to assist Ms Princess London with her tuition could visit the website http://www.gofundme.com/12a4tk

*****

Scholastic Achievements by Ms Princess London while a student of Bregado Flax Educational Centre

 -          Graduated with a GPA of 8.009 with distinctions in English Language, English Literature, Biology, Principles of Business, Food and Nutrition and Information Technology and credits in Spanish, Mathematics and History.

 -          11 Subjects at CXC with 9 Grade Ones and 2 Grade Twos. 

33 Responses to “BFEC's shining graduate Princess J. London overcoming obstacles”

  • virgin gorda (05/11/2012, 08:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    excellent
    • student (05/11/2012, 17:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congratulations a fellow student.. u are truly an inspiration, keep up the good work.
    • zbvi (06/11/2012, 18:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i second the motion
    • lowa (08/11/2012, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congratulations are in order to you Princess on your academic sucesses so far, I am very proud of you and your entire family, and it just shows how awesome God is in his expressions of Love towards his children. Your efforts will not go unoticed anyways and the Lord will work a way for the tuition. I am almost confident he will.

      You guys are a lovely bunch, keep up the good works and congratulations again!!!!!
  • VG PPL (05/11/2012, 08:46) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    It bothers me tho that this child was not given her due recognition just because she not from here. I was at the graduation and they made no big deal of her achievements. How sad. The child worked hard and didnt deserve such treatment. Didn't the teachers feel that they deserved some credit too?...shame shame
  • Friend (05/11/2012, 10:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats J. God is with you.
  • Lil John (05/11/2012, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What a pretty girl> stay focused now. God Bless
    • foxy (05/11/2012, 17:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congratulations young lady, so proud of you and your achievements!
    • Great (05/11/2012, 18:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes she is beautiful you can see that it beams from the inside out.
  • VG (05/11/2012, 13:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ms London And her parents KNEW BEFORE she started school in the BVI that she would not be eligible for a government scholarship. They were told. While I applaud her achievements we have to be fair. A BVIslander could not leave here and go to school in Dominica or any other Caribbean Island for 3 years and get a government scholarship either. What Miss London needs to do is to research where there are scholarships available in her field that she is eligible for and apply. Therr are lots of them out there. Also there are LOTS of VG children that did not get scholarships that ride the boat back and forth to classes at HLSCC up until 10:30 at night. She is not the only one. She is a smart girl she will be fine. There are so many people who did not have the full amount of money to go to college and they did it bit by bit, one or two courses at a timke until they are done. she will make it with God's help
    • Charlene (05/11/2012, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      YesSSSSS a child can go to another island and get a scholarship. When the Bvislanders go to the sates, don't they get scholarships even if they attend school illigal?
      • BVILADY (05/11/2012, 16:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Charlene,

        Are you and idiot or what? How can you attend school illegal? Really? My son is a United States Citizen and when he first attended college there in the US, he had to pay out out of state tuition for two years. Smart of not! Everyday people have challenges sending their children off to college, but sometimes we as parents have to take the responsibility and be prepared because the day will come. Most people who cannot afford to go full-time will go part-time, get a part-time job and foot it until they succeed. There are a lot of options out there student loans and the like. On another note Congrats to you Ms. London on your accomplishment and continued success.
      • sooo (05/11/2012, 18:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        That is a lie. Please do your research before you comment.
    • Charlene (05/11/2012, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      YesSSSSS a child can go to another island and get a scholarship. When the Bvislanders go to the sates, don't they get scholarships even if they attend school illigal?
      • BVILADY (05/11/2012, 19:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Charlene,

        I must be missing something please provide more info. How can you attend school illegally especially in the US.....please enlighten me.
    • ooooooooo (05/11/2012, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      VG True Dat....they are trying to deny and ignore it, but they knw
    • YES! (05/11/2012, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      THANK YOU!
  • truthbetold (05/11/2012, 17:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If Princess were a BVIslander and spent 3 yrs at a school in Dominica, she would get a government scholarship. So “VG” get your facts straight before you speak. Most of the other islands don't discriminate like the BVI.
    • what (05/11/2012, 22:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Give me the names of the BVIslanders that have gotten scholarships from the government of Dominica. As a matter of fact list all the caribbean islands and the name of BVI students that have gotten their government scholarships. If VG does not have the facts straight prove them wrong publicly
    • Questioner (06/11/2012, 09:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      With the limited resources we have, would you say it is ok to take taxpayers' money and give scholarships to anyone who happens to come here for a couple of years? If this person is given this opportunity, what holds them to return and give back to the community? Signing a bond and pledging to return will not stop someone from going "home" or elsewhere. Wouldn't you complain that your tax dollars are being spent to enrich another nation? Wouldn't you complain that every year we spend $millions to educate students yet we still have to import qualified labor? Wouldn't you be angry that a BVIslander is left out in the cold because another student had a higher grade point average and so was able to capture the scholarship?

      People be reasonable. This debate will continue to rage on. I, unfortunately, can see and argue both sides, but at the end of the day I believe that we need to protect our own and that means that even though our emotions are stirred by the brilliance of some expatriate students, we must remain committed to enhancing and advancing BVIslanders.
  • Virgin Gorda 2 (05/11/2012, 19:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excellent! Continue to reach for the stars.
  • hi (05/11/2012, 19:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why you dont stop telling lies and speak the truth. Just coming on here stirring up confusion.
  • wow (05/11/2012, 21:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Princess and her mother were in the meeting when the Principal of BFEC gave the criteria for government scholarshipps. They knew in advance and should not go to the media now.
    'Truthbe told' give me uus names of BVIslanders that got scholarships in Dominica. The proof will be in the pudding mMyron don't take them on. Is there a Dominican/BVi Association in the BVI? Maybe they can help. BVI need to look out for our own. Princess can go back to Dominica anytime she wants. We BVIslanders have no where to gom we have to build our country
  • inisay8 (05/11/2012, 23:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well despite the ugliness gal you still shine brighter than many. no media, no haters, no hiders of facts stopped you then and they won't stop you now. there's enough of us expats, alien,foreigners that can and will contribute to the cause. I am proud of what you have done and wishes you the best in all your endeavors. I am also proud of ALL our kids them wherever they're from. big up your family, schools, community and moreso yourself.
  • truthbetold (06/11/2012, 06:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "WHAT" you are an idiot! I said IF a BVIslander.... I have no names but how many BVISLANDERS leave here to go to high school in Dominica? lol. I know of Grenadians, Guyanese and St. Lucians who attended high schoool there and got at least a scholarship.
  • Expat neutral (06/11/2012, 12:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    I must first say people will be people and black people is another story. The motive behind this article was never to critic the governments policy or action. It is most respected and agreed with. The article simply stated the facts that surrounded the struggles. Yes the were told in advance, but at the beginning of it all it was not forseen, didn't you all think of that. And it is a fact that anyone from any nation can go to Dominica and get a schorlarship from primary to secondary and secondary to college. And i know BVI lander who are in Dominica and have scholarships but i wont disclosed their names just because you all cant stop thinking so negative. And also, there are not alot of BVI landers in Dominica that have scholarships because they all run to the US and other countries. So to you BVI landers that only know about BVI and St Thomas, start travelling! God has decided to big up this young lady, there will be positive said as well as negative. But who man bless no man curse.
    No negative comment or positive comment decides her destiny, its in Gods hands. So if you all have nothing good to say, simply say a stupes at the article and close it before it burns you.
  • K.L. (06/11/2012, 15:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GOD BLESS THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AND HATS OFF TO PRINCESS LONDON
    The aim of this article is not to bash anyone. When Princess’ last two grades were released I was offered the opportunity to publicize it and give her the recognition she deserved. I took the offer with that aim in mind. We did not go to the media. The media came to us after hearing of her performance through the grapevine. Be it known that we respect the position of the Government. This is a celebration of my daughter not a pointing of the finger.
    Hats off to my daughter! Well done! Keep it up!
    Secondly, I must defend my country’s good name. Having worked in the education system in Dominica, I know without a doubt that a children coming from any part of the world gets a scholarships from primary to secondary; secondary to college irrespective of their nationality or length of stay in the country. However every country has its own rules and regulation and does what works best for it.
    GOD BLESS THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND!
  • Princess (06/11/2012, 19:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank you to everyone who congratulated and encouraged me! I greatly appreciate it! :)
  • sis in Christ (07/11/2012, 18:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Princess seek ye first the kingdom of go and Hi righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto to.Most importance no one cannottake out whats in your head.The Lord promise to take care of His own.Bro & sis London just thrust God He will see you through. Let PS37 be your guide that note of v : 23 & 24.Princess do not get side tract choose your friends wisely. Keep dancing for the Lord i saw a lot of people who strayed from God when they go to colledge.I'll remember to keep u in pray.Any one wisdom ask God.Keep smiling .Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.


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