The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

CHRISTNA Stubbs, a third-year student at the College of the Bahamas, is the recipient of this year’s Winston V Saunders Memorial Scholarship awarded to the most promising pupil in English Studies.

Winston Saunders was a Bahamian legend, commemorated for his contributions to the development of society. He was an actor, playwright and lawyer, as well as a cultural director, and founded a number of organisations that have showcased Bahamian culture and talents on a regional and international stage.

Ms Stubbs, 21, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies, along with a minor in Bahamian and Caribbean Literature. She described herself as “enthusiastic and a pensive thinker”, and said she has a passion for the environment and community at large. Enrolled in a number of extra-curricular activities, including dance, she told The Tribune she aspired to incite a greater appreciation for Bahamian English, thus “expelling the myth that it is primitive and implies ignorance”.

Mr Saunders was a prominent figure in the performing arts and longtime chairman of The Dundas Centre, the nation’s leading showcase for drama. Once referred to as the “Czar of Bahamian culture” by Prime Minister Perry Christie, he is remembered through the scholarship fund sponsored by COB.

According to the college, the endowment “supports the continued development of the arts, and plays a key role in cultivating the country’s creative genius.” It offers an annual bursary for any student enrolled in the baccalaureate English Studies programme, who has distinguished themselves in an artistic endeavour.

Adjuah Cleare, Stewardship Co-ordinator at COB, said: “This memorial endowment was established by The College of The Bahamas in December 2006 in recognition of Mr Saunders’ cultural contributions to the Bahamas. The fund is to be used for an in-course scholarship award to the most promising student in English studies, based on academic merit in the baccalaureate programme.”

Mr Christie, speaking about Winston Saunders in a tribute in 2006, said that he “spent a lifetime telling of the spirit that moves us, that animates us and that ultimately defines us as a unique cultural entity among the peoples of the world”.

Ms Stubbs said she also hopes to “inspire to make a valuable contribution to the Bahamian community and the world at large”.