Teen wins scholarship after dad moves family due to noisy bar

RADHICA DE SILVA

When Kubair Rampersad uprooted his family and moved to San Fernando to escape the blaring music from a nearby rum shop, he never imagined their sacrifices would one day pave the way for his daughter, Keshma Rampersad, to earn an Open Scholarship in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Rampersad, one of five Naparima Girls’ High School students to earn scholarships this year, recalled how difficult it was to study in their Penal Rock Road home.

Her father Kubair, President of the Penal Rock Bunsee Trace Village Council, succeeded in bringing pipe-borne water to the community. However, he could not stop the noise pollution.

“Usually, the speakers were blasting, and if you complained, they would turn it up even more. I had ear surgery as a child, and with all that noise, it was impossible to concentrate. My parents realised it was time for a change, and in 2019, we moved to San Fernando,” she added.

Now 18 and pursuing a degree in Computer Science at The University of the West Indies, Rampersad said she has dreams of working at NASA or Google. The scholarship, she said, came as a surprise.

“I didn’t expect it. A lot of people told me I might, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. When I heard the news, I was in shock. It’s a huge achievement, but more than that, it’s a way to honour my parents’ sacrifices,” she said wiping away tears.

Rampersad said her support from her parents shaped her success.

“My parents never pushed me to do anything specific. From preschool, they just told me to do my best,” she added.

She also credited her younger sister, Elina, for being her constant encouragement. “She’s like my dad, funny and always supportive, but she also has my mom’s kindness. She would help me practice Physics formulas and even Spanish and French orals, even though she didn’t understand it.”

Rampersad shared her method for success.

“Past papers, past papers, past papers—that’s the key,” she said.

She advised students to find their strengths and focus on what excites them. “I don’t like reading or regurgitating information, but I love mathematical calculations and problem-solving. My advice is to pick something practical that you enjoy and work at it. The goal is to get a job and make a life for yourself, so choose something that comes naturally to you.”

She expressed gratitude to her teachers Fariah Hyatali and Marissa Poliah who were her mentors and her principal, Karen Bally.

Meanwhile, her father Kubair, who is a Physics teacher, said it was difficult to leave Bunsee Trace.

“I was born there and lived there for 45 years. Leaving was hard but it was in the children’s best interest,” he said.

Keshma’s mother, Indira Heerah-Rampersad, said she is proud of her daughter. “Deep down, I always knew she could achieve anything she set her mind to. She’s loving, respectful, and determined,” she said.

Rampersad’s teacher Fariah Hyatali described her as a remarkable young lady who served as the President of the Red Cross Club.

“Under her leadership, we achieved so much, including distributing 130 bags of Christmas treats and spending a memorable day connecting with the children at San Fernando Methodist Primary,” Hyatali said.

She said in 2022, Rampersad earned an impressive 12 Grade Ones at CSEC which earned her the President’s Medal Gold. She said despite her many accomplishments, Rampersad continues to be humble.

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