ANOTHER NEVISIAN SCHOLAR REACHES HIGHER Eustace Theo Wallace, a 24-year-old student from Hamilton Estate, has once again made himself, his family and community proud as he is set to graduate from the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto. He has successfully fulfilled his prerequisites to be awarded a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and is effervescent with pride as he looks toward a fruitful future in international affairs. His chief area of studies throughout his graduate experienced has focused on the “Regionalization of International Relations.”In fact, in his final research paper, Eustace concentrated on the need for Caribbean leaders to work towards a reconfiguration of sovereignty and identity to achieve a ‘mature regionalism,” reflective of the changing trends of international relations away from the traditional and the comfortable and toward a continuum where change is understood and embraced in every vital dimension of governance; economic, social, legal and political. Many of the discourses that have driven global affairs for much of the 20th Century are increasingly being challenged by shifts in power and the meaning of power itself. As a result countries such as the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India and China – are reshaping the global playing field. Moreover, the pivotal concept of sovereignty on which international law and politics has been hinged is being challenged by non-state actors and new ideas of sovereignty. Additionally there is a sense of cosmopolitanism that is rendering human security more important than military security; development is now understood in human and environmental terms rather than purely through economic lens. The failure to rise and grasp the opportunities that these shifts offer the Caribbean would be gross negligence on the part of Caribbean leaders says Wallace. He asserts that too often we have been too lethargic and languid in our approach toward regionalization and keeping abreast of global change. It is those countries that best understand and adapt to contemporary changes that will find opportunity amid the plethora of challenges that are defining this international evolution. This is a seminal moment for the Caribbean Community. It must work with a heightened sense of urgency, and even militancy, to implement forward looking strategic policies that mature our own political integration while maximizing opportunities for Caribbean citizens. Eustace is humbled by the opportunity to delve into such timely and important questions that have ramifications for every Caribbean citizen and the world at large. He is even more honoured to be awarded a graduate degree in International Relations for his academic interests. Throughout his studies, he has found himself engaged in debates that will craft the contours of the global landscape going forward. As someone whose ambitions reflect the vastness of the world he studies, a degree in international relations is both personally gratifying and professionally pregnant with opportunities. Eustace hopes to find employment at a regional organization such as the OECS or the Caribbean Community Secretariat or international organizations such as the United Nations or World Bank. He also aspires to receive a doctoral degree some day in the same field. For this opportunity, he credits the unwavering support of his grandmother Marion Wallace; though she is not with us, she has been a persevering oasis of motivation and inspiration. He is also eternally grateful to the concrete commitment of his parents Hyacinth Wallace-Forbes and Eustace Charles. He also wishes to express profound appreciation to his step-dad Lawford Forbes and his brothers and sisters Lawten, Lawvander, Lawvinton, Kimoy and Abaena. Additionally, he offers his thanks to the entire Wallace family for their consistent encouragement. Furthermore to his closest friends and those who have offered encouraging words, he says thanks. Eustace cites Frederick Douglas as source of inspiration for his raw ambition and unbridled passion. He notes that it was Frederick Douglas who while attempting to escape slavery faithfully charged that he believes man has the ability to bend the universe in the direction he wants it to go with the way he thinks. Eustace says he has stitched this philosophy into his heart as he continues to advance himself for the benefit of his community and country. He has tattooed into his psyche the idea that he will never let anything hinder his attempts to cast his eyes on the panoramic view of possibility and he encourages his peers to do the same. Again, he thanks those persons who have helped him to ‘bend” the universe in his direction.
