Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams (left), congratulates Tanisha Mitchell, 23, winner of the De La Rue scholarship. Next to Mitchell are Leo Quinn, CEO of De La Rue Currency, and Dr Shelton Nicholls, Deputy Governor, policy and research. Photo: Jennifer Watson

BY SANDRA CHOUTHI

Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams has said award of the De La Rue scholarship to Tanisha Mitchell, 23, is an investment in the youth of the nation.

“You’re joining a very illustrious group. You are our future leaders.

“You’re going to be the people who would run the Central Bank, who would run the commercial banking system and who would run the ministries,” Williams said.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Central Bank yesterday, Williams said the scholarship has unveiled the tremendous wealth of talent that exists in T&T.

“From all accounts, Tanisha, you are an excellent example of the academic vanguard that we have in the country.

“You graduated with first class honours. That’s excellent. You have an equally impressive non-academic record.

“You were public relations officer of the Economics Society, something that impressed me tremendously. You were a volunteer in your community, assisting primary schools students. We wish we could have more of that.”

De La Rue provides cash handling equipment and software solutions to financial institutions and retailers globally. The scholarship has been awarded each year for the last 5 years.

Williams said he always tells scholarship awardees that they are expected, in principle, to use their qualifications and the training they get from the scholarship to help build T&T.

“But then again, charity begins at home. And, as such, we would be delighted if on graduation, you give us the first choice, that you come back to us,” Williams said.

“Three of the scholarship winners have, in fact, come back to the bank because we think that the bank is a premium employer.

“We think that this is an ideal place from which you can make a contribution into the rest of the society.”

Dr Shelton Nicholls, deputy governor, policy and research, described the scholarship interview process as “quite rigorous.”

He said among the qualities the interviewing panel looks for in selecting an awardee are:

n aptitude for research

n financial need

n relevance of the field of study

n community service

n and, academic record

“We were truly impressed with many of Tanisha’s qualities,” Nicholls said.

He said he was impressed with three of Mitchell’s qualities which stood out: her determination to succeed, her mentorship of SEA students and her passion for monetary policy.

Nicholls said Mitchell made her own recommendations to the interview panel about how the Central Bank should deal with rising inflation.

In brief remarks, Mitchell said her passion for economics grows daily.

She said the De La Rue scholarship to pursue a Masters of Science in economics will be an opportunity to ensure she and others like her realise their personal and professional goals.

“The opportunity they have presented me with will ensure my growth as a young economist in society today,” Mitchell said.

“The field of economics is one that transcends into our daily lives. The basic decisions that we make are grounded in economic principles. It is precisely this notion of everyday application of this fundamental science, which, to my mind, make it a fascinating field of study.”