– envisions growth, enhanced agricultural sector for Guyana

KEESHA St John, an Agriculture Science teacher at Queen’s College in Guyana, has returned home after successfully completing a two-year study programme at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) under the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship Programme.
St John, one of the recipients of the 2022 Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship, pursued a Master Degree in Agri-Business Economics, bringing back invaluable knowledge and experience to her homeland.
St John, 28, grew up in La Grange, West Bank Demerara, surrounded by agriculture.

“I grew up on a farm, my family did agriculture, my neighbours did agriculture. There were cane fields behind me, rice fields in certain directions, and the Wales estate nearby. Agriculture has always been a part of my life,” she shared.
Her deep-rooted connection to farming, combined with a love for animals, plants, and curiosity about food sources, naturally led her to a career in agriculture.
After completing her undergraduate degree from the University of Guyana in 2020, St John sought opportunities for further education.
She discovered the Fulbright Programme through the U.S. Embassy’s website and seized the chance to expand her expertise in agri-business.

Her studies at SIUC provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the business side of agriculture, an area she believes is crucial for Guyana’s development.
“I can say that this degree, looking at where Guyana is heading, will assist a lot,” St John explained. “As much as we produce, we lack structure in our produce marketing and businesses. Many farmers don’t have registered businesses or business plans, and they aren’t marketing themselves for export.”
She emphasised the potential for Guyana’s fresh produce to be better structured for local and international markets.

St John’s experience in the U.S. was transformative. “Travelling and experiencing different cultures are the best teachers,” she said. “Going to another country opened my eyes to how blessed we are in our own country.”
She approached her Fulbright journey with an open mind, resulting in one of the most enriching experiences of her life. The diverse international community at SIUC provided a unique opportunity to interact with people from various cultures and backgrounds, allowing her to form lasting friendships and build a strong support network.

Reflecting on her Fulbright journey, St John remarked, “The experiences shaped my entire perspective. I met awesome people and experienced a wide variety of cultures and nationalities. It was beautiful to see the uniqueness of different people in another place.”
St John encourages fellow Guyanese to explore scholarship opportunities in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. “Research and apply for these programmes. They provide a chance to network with others on similar journeys and to experience life beyond Guyana,” she advised.
St John’s return to Guyana marks the beginning of a new chapter where she will apply her enhanced knowledge to benefit her students and the agricultural sector. Her Fulbright experience not only enriched her professionally but also personally, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and global education.