On 28 February 2025, Montserrat’s UK Youth Parliament Representative, Ms Shary Barzey, delivered a compelling speech on access to higher education and apprenticeships, advocating for greater equity in educational opportunities for students in Montserrat and the wider UK Overseas Territories.
Shary’s speech can be viewed on YouTube at 1:31:04
Shary was supported and accompanied by Ms. Kei-Retta Farrell, Government of Montserrat Representative to the UK, reinforcing Montserrat’s commitment to amplifying youth voices on key national and international platforms.
Shary underscored the critical role of education in social mobility and national development, while highlighting the stark inequalities that persist despite increased global access to learning opportunities.
“Education is the most powerful force behind social mobility, yet access remains unequal,” she stated. “Studies show that education provides the skills and credentials needed for stable employment and higher wages. However, despite more people than ever before accessing education, social mobility in the UK is at its lowest level in over 50 years, according to a 2023 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.”
Shary shed light on the challenges faced by students from Montserrat, a UK Overseas Territory that currently has no full-time university, no technical or vocational college, and limited structured apprenticeships. Unlike students in the UK, young people from Montserrat must often leave their homes, families, and communities in search of higher education opportunities abroad.
While scholarships are available through the Government of Montserrat, many students struggle to secure sufficient funding to cover the high costs associated with studying overseas. Shary stressed that these financial and logistical barriers limit opportunities and create systemic disadvantages for Montserratian students.
“Every student—regardless of their background, financial status, or country of birth—deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. Yet, for students from Montserrat and the other UK Overseas Territories, the barriers are even greater,” she stated. “Many of us are British Citizens, yet we lack the same educational infrastructure and support as students in the UK. If we are truly part of the British family, then we must be granted the same opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to society.”
In her address, Shary called for more inclusive education policies, greater financial support, and the expansion of apprenticeship programmes to ensure that students from under-resourced territories are not left behind.
“We need a system that recognises the unique challenges faced by students from under-resourced communities and under-resourced countries alike,” she urged. “This means creating pathways that reflect the diverse needs of all students—through inclusive education policies, expanded apprenticeships, and increased financial support.”
Shary’s speech resonated with Youth Parliament members and government representatives, sparking discussions on the need for stronger educational links between the UK and the Overseas Territories.
She closed with a powerful reminder:
“Education is not a privilege—it is a right. Investing in the future of Montserrat and the other UK Overseas Territories is investing in the future of Britain itself.”
For the full proceedings of the morning session of the UK Youth Parliament, click here: UK Youth Parliament 2025 – morning session – YouTube
Shary also represented Montserrat at the 2025 UKOTA Youth Summit, alongside Hayley-Shai Kassie and Josiah Persaud, where she contributed to discussions on critical social issues impacting young people in the Overseas Territories.
Read more about the 2025 UKOTA Youth Summit here: Montserrat’s Youth Shine at the 2025 UKOTA Youth Summit – Montserrat Government UK Office
The Montserrat Government UK Office extends its congratulations to Shary for her outstanding representation and remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand educational opportunities for Montserratian students.
