There’s something deeply moving about seeing a legacy live on — not in marble plaques or faded photos, but in the bright eyes and steady ambitions of young people. On Friday, 3rd October 2025, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, that spirit was alive and well as the Rose “Zena” Fleming-Page Memorial Scholarship was presented to two deserving students: Mr. Niamke Brooks and Ms. Melania Matthew.
The event, held before family members, friends, educators, and representatives from the Department of Education, UWI Global Campus Student Guild, and the UWI Alumni Association, was more than just a scholarship presentation — it was a celebration of legacy, learning, and love.
“It is such a delight to have all of you here joining us for the 2025 award presentation for the Rose ‘Zena’ Fleming-Page Scholarship,” Ms. René Henry said in her welcome remarks. She spoke of the Fleming and Fleming-Page families’ commitment — not just in funding education, but in sustaining a legacy of “care, commitment, community, and resilience.”
Henry commended inaugural recipient Niamke Brooks, now in his final year, for his academic excellence and dedication, and welcomed new recipient Melania Matthew with equal enthusiasm. “The scholarship has done more than make a direct deposit,” she noted cleverly. “It has brought these students closer to actualising their dreams.”
In her sponsor’s remarks, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, daughter of the late Rose “Zena” Fleming-Page, delivered a moving tribute that seemed to blend memory with gratitude. “I know Rose ‘Zena’ would have been so excited to be here,” she said with a smile. “In fact, she probably would have been throwing a party.”
“Mamie Rose,” as she was affectionately called, was described as a woman of many hats — executive chef, entrepreneur, hotel manager, and lover of the land. Born with a fiery spirit and a generous heart, she spent her life uplifting others across Anguilla, St. Martin/St. Maarten, and Saba. “She believed deeply in the power of education to open doors, realise dreams, and transform lives,” said Dr. Fleming-Banks. “She loved people — especially young people — and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their success.”
The scholarship, launched in 2024, provides full tuition for UWI Global Campus students, including those enrolled in Continuing and Professional Education Programmes. This year, fittingly during National Youth Week, two recipients were honoured — because, as Dr. Fleming-Banks put it with a smile, “Zena was like that.”
Returning recipient Mr. Niamke Brooks continues to set the bar high. Currently completing his degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics, Brooks also serves at Radio Anguilla, where he merges his love for media, politics, and community. Beyond the microphone, he gives his time to the Second Anguilla Boys’ Brigade and the Anguilla Enhancement Club, living proof that civic engagement and education go hand in hand.
Brooks, the son of the late educator and journalist Whaldama “Ras B” Brooks and Tr. Aurada Brooks, accepted his certificate with characteristic humility. “To receive this honour a second time is both humbling and inspiring,” he said. “This support strengthens my resolve to excel — not just for my own success but for the betterment of Anguilla.”
Sharing the spotlight was Ms. Melania Matthew, a young woman with a keen eye for organisation and creativity. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Management Studies, Matthew dreams of managing and producing festivals across the globe. Already, she served as Secretary of the Anguilla Summer Festival Committee in 2025, and has lent her talents to the Anguilla Basketball Association and Second Anguilla Girls’ Brigade.
“I am deeply honoured,” she said in her acceptance remarks. “This scholarship is more than financial support — it’s encouragement. It allows me to focus on developing the skills I need to grow both personally and professionally.”
Her calm, focused demeanour, and dedication to detail, as described by her supervisors, make her a shining example of young leadership in action.
Representing the Department of Education, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty offered sincere congratulations and reflected on the wider impact of such initiatives. “Education always needs partners,” she said. “And this is a very valuable partnership. I want to thank the Fleming-Page family for turning an inspiring life into motivation for others.”
From the UWI Student Guild, Ms. Shermel Hodge echoed the sentiment of hope and access. “This scholarship remains a beacon of hope to students right here on Anguilla,” she said. “It says to our students that we see you, we see your potential, and we are committed to supporting you.” Her words resonated with a simple but powerful truth — education, especially when made accessible, can change the course of lives.
Ms. Marva A. Smith, President of the UWI Alumni Association Anguilla Chapter, also shared her pride. “It’s always a pleasure when we can give back,” she said. “UWI has changed my life tremendously, and I know if it did it for me, it can do the same for you.”
The Rose “Zena” Fleming-Page Memorial Scholarship is more than an award. It is a thread connecting generations, weaving together one woman’s love of learning, her family’s generosity, and the ambitions of Anguilla’s youth.
By Janissa Fleming
