On July 28, 2026, the Chief of Mission Residence in Port of Spain hosted a significant gathering to honor three Trinidad and Tobago scholars embarking on their academic journey in the United States through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. The event, presided over by Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern, celebrated the achievements of Leekeesha Duncan, Aliyah Emmanuel, and Nirmal Maraj.
Leekeesha Duncan is set to pursue a PhD in Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri. Aliyah Emmanuel will work towards a Master of Arts in Design Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Meanwhile, Nirmal Maraj will study for a Master of Arts in Human Resources and Labor Relations at Webster University. Their success is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the enduring partnership between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, underscored by a shared commitment to investing in human capital.
The reception was attended by notable figures including Dr. Michael Dowlath, the Minister of Education, and Saddam Hosein, the Minister of Land and Legal Affairs. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit that supports these scholars and the broader educational exchange.
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, has connected over 160 countries and supported more than 400,000 participants. An example of its impactful legacy is Akua Leith, a Trinidadian musician and entrepreneur who, after his Fulbright experience, founded a leading steelpan manufacturing company.
As the United States marks its 250th year of independence, the reception also commemorated the shared history and future cooperation between the two nations. Kern encouraged the scholars to embrace the diversity and opportunities in American communities, fostering a richer learning experience beyond the classroom.
