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The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), which began its transformative journey in 1965 with the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI), has had a profound impact on the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. In 1965, the first group of students from St. Kitts and Nevis, many of whom hailed from Sandy Point, journeyed to the fledgling CVI. They embarked on what would become a life-changing experience, fostering not only academic achievement but also contributing to the cultural and professional growth of both their home island and the region.

The Pioneers from Sandy Point

It was in the northern town of Sandy Point, St. Kitts, that the first seeds of academic connection with CVI were planted. A forward-thinking Anglican minister, Father Seymoure Clarke, encouraged his parishioners to consider pursuing higher education at CVI. For many students, the invitation marked the beginning of a new chapter. Among these early students were Dr. Frank Mills and Dr. Simon B. Jones-Hendrickson, who would go on to become prominent UVI professors.

Dr. Mills recalls the phone call that changed his life. He had never heard of CVI, but a scholarship offer prompted him to give it a chance. “I thought ‘a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush,'” said Dr. Mills, whose path led him from the College of the Virgin Islands to advanced degrees in Canada and eventually a Ph.D. His success became a source of inspiration for many aspiring students from St. Kitts and Nevis.

Building a Legacy of Excellence

The early CVI alumni not only excelled academically but also paved the way for subsequent generations of students from St. Kitts and Nevis. These graduates returned home, sharing their knowledge and becoming leaders in education, business, government, and other sectors. Among the notable alumni are Jonathan Bass, a senior financial officer at LIME (formerly Cable and Wireless) St. Kitts and Nevis, and Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, a Rhodes Scholar who would later serve as St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, as well as the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Skerritt’s accomplishment as a Rhodes Scholar, a highly prestigious title, brought international recognition to UVI and its Caribbean students. His success, along with the achievements of other alumni like Ian “Quincy” Quinlan—UVI’s second Rhodes Scholar—served as both a symbol of personal achievement and a testament to the power of UVI’s transformative education.

A Commitment to Regional Development

UVI has continued to meet the evolving educational needs of the Caribbean region, and students from St. Kitts and Nevis have been at the heart of its growth. Today, the island nation still represents the second-largest concentration of students at UVI. Among these students are Jacqueline Somersall-Berry, a graduate of UVI’s journalism and mass communications program, who went on to earn a Master of Public Administration in 2001. She recalls how the timely elective courses and hands-on experiences equipped her to navigate significant global changes, such as the impact of the September 11 attacks on U.S. policy and business practices.

Celebrating UVI’s 60th Anniversary

As UVI celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, it’s important to reflect on how this institution has shaped the lives of countless individuals and contributed to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. The impact of UVI’s graduates can be seen not only in their professional accomplishments but also in their commitment to their communities. UVI alumni have used their education to effect positive change, create opportunities, and build lasting legacies.

Notable UVI Alumni from St. Kitts and Nevis

UVI’s alumni network includes influential individuals across various sectors. Some of the notable alumni from St. Kitts and Nevis include:

• Richard “Ricky” Skerritt – Minister of Tourism and International Transport for St. Kitts and Nevis, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and UVI’s first Rhodes Scholar.
• Ian “Quincy” Quinlan – UVI’s second Rhodes Scholar, renowned for his leadership and contributions to St. Kitts and Nevis.
• Jonathan Bass – Senior financial officer at LIME, St. Kitts and Nevis, and UVI Calypso King.
• Jacqueline Somersall-Berry – A graduate of UVI’s journalism program, she pursued a Master’s degree and remains a significant voice in public administration.

The list continues with many other successful professionals, such as:

Banking and Finance

• Heather James- BA, 1985, STT- Management Accountant at S.L Horsford & Co. Ltd.
• Ian Bookie Edgings- BA, 1985, STT- Former Accountant at S.L HOrsford & Co. Ltd
• Earle Kelly- BA , 1985, STT- CEO at TDC
• Arthur Williams – BA, 1974, STT | Economist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
• Ira Mills – BA, 1976, STT | Former Director, V.I. Office of Management and Budget
• Janette Harris – AA, BA, 1984, STT | Financial Secretary of St. Kitts and Nevis, CPA
• Carolyn Adams – BA, 1998 | Manager, Credit Division at the St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla National Bank
• Rawlinson A. Isaac – BA, 1983, STT | Former Manager, Bank of Nevis, Entrepreneur
• Malcolm Kirwan – AA, 1967, STT | Former VP of Administration and Finance at UVI, Former Director of UVIRTP Business
• Dennis Knight – BA, 1985, STT | General Manager, TDC, Community Activist
• Glenn Quinlan – BS, 1983, STT | Agency Manager, Quinlan, Walwyn & Associates
• St. Clair Hodge – BA, 2011, STT | Assistant Manager, TDC, Youth Mentor
• Cornel Williams – BA, 1982, STX | President of International Capital and Management Company

Telecommunications

• Jonathan Bass – BA, 1985, STT | LIME Regional Finance Team Accountant and St. Kitts/Nevis Secretary
• Jaedee Caines – AA, BA, 2010, STT | Nevis Island Administration, Information Department, Host of Candid TV Show

Rhodes Scholars

• Richard Skerritt – BA, 1980, STT | Minister of St. Kitts/Nevis Tourism & International Transport, Chairman of the CTO
• Ian “Quincy” Quinlan – BA, 1984, STT | Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties

Government

• Vance Amory – MBA, 1988, STT | Former Premier of Nevis
• Hugh Heyliger – BA, 1975, STT | Lecturer at CFBC*, Former St. Kitts/Nevis Minister of Agriculture
• Janet V. Harris – AA, BA, 1984, STT | Financial Secretary of St. Kitts/Nevis, CPA
• Jacqueline Sommersall-Berry – BA, MPA, STT | Director, St. Kitts/Nevis Financial Intelligence Unit
• Kaye Bass – BA (2), 1995, STT | Ministry of St. Kitts/Nevis Foreign Affairs and Education

Education

• Dr. Frank Mills – AA, 1967, STT | Director of UVI’s Eastern Caribbean Center, Chair of CFBC* Board of Governors
• Dr. Simon Jones-Hendrickson – AA, 1967, STT | UVI Professor of Social Science, Former Ambassador to OECS**, CARICOM^, ACS^^

Medicine

• Dr. Clayton Heyliger – BA, 1973, STT | Ross School of Medicine, Lecturer at CFBC*
• Dr. Lucien Manchester – BA, 1970, STT | Physician

Law

• Desmond Maynard – AA, 1965, STT | Attorney for St. Kitts/Nevis Regulatory Trust Industry, Member of the VI Bar Association

Looking Ahead

As UVI moves into its 70th year, its commitment to building the region, one nation at a time, remains stronger than ever. The institution has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of St. Kitts and Nevis, and as more students from the nation continue to attend, the impact of UVI will only grow.

From Sandy Point in 1965 to the global achievements of UVI alumni today, the university’s legacy is rich with stories of perseverance, academic excellence, and community commitment. UVI has not only educated individuals but has been an integral part of the growth and success of St. Kitts and Nevis, and it will undoubtedly continue to shape the nation’s future for years to come.