In her 47 years Kerryann has worn many hats and one for which she is most proud is that of Combermerian. 

Kerryann attended Combermere from 1987 and has always known that this was no accidental feat but a blessing from God.  Unlike most students who would have chosen the school at the point of the Common Entrance exam, the school was selected by the then Minister of Youth Affairs the Hon. Keith Simmons, who felt that Combermere would provide the right atmosphere and stimulation for a young visually impaired student who would become the first to attend mainstream school. 

Upon reflection, this was indeed the case as from the first day, Kerryann knew that she was where she was supposed to be.  She vividly remembers her first day and recalls being escorted to hall prayers by Mrs. Reifer her form teacher at the time.  Not knowing if she would be able to sing and participate fully, it was indeed a  surprise and confirmation when the hymn “Morning Has Broken” was played.  For this young girl, the selection of this particular hymn, one which she knew by heart and could sing along, was all the affirmation she needed; she was where she was supposed to be and that feeling has never changed.

So many memories assail when speaking of days at Combermere.  Kerryann remembers most the kindness and support that were the hallmarks of the spirit of Combermere and from which she benefitted.  Through the caring acts and encouragement of teachers such as Major Patrick Skeete, Mrs. Reifer, Mrs. Lahai who was also her Guides teacher and Ms. Gibson who devoted every Wednesday to giving Math lessons, free of cost to ensure that Kerryann stayed current with the class.  Constant in her memories is the support not only from the Principal and wider teaching body but ancillary staff as well as from fellow students who always made her feel as one with them.  Her difference did not set them apart.

This vibrant young lady has been active from then until now.  Whilst a student Kerryann became involved in several extra-curricular activities including Girl Guides; the Computer Club; Literary and Debating Society and the Jobs Club.  Today, she is actively involved in teaching Sunday School at the Church of the Resurrection, a member of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, International Women’s Chapter, Caribbean Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired, National Council for the Blind.  Additionally, Kerryann loves reading, crocheting; dancing and cannot wait for safer times to return to ballroom dancing. 

Having left Combermere armed with A’ levels and a greater sense of awareness, Kerryann decided to delay the immediate start of university however, this was not for long and eventually she became the first visual impaired student to enter the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus.  There again, she met a host of supportive lecturers in Prof Don Marshall and Ikael Tafari, to name a few, who challenged and were challenged by Kerryann and who never over-compensated and well understood that persons with disabilities need support and assistance as well as an opportunity. 

Kerryann graduated from UWI in1999 with a BSc. in Sociology and Psychology and met a new challenge, the hurdle of unemployment, as no one was prepared to hire a young lady who was blind no matter how passionate and articulate.  This did not daunt Kerryann’s spirit.  She cautions that too often parents take hardship away from children and as a result they are ill prepared to cope with life’s stumbling blocks.  However, the Combermere experience produces a cadre of individuals who can withstand anything and that is the essence of Combermere. 

Eventually, Kerryann was employed with the Barbados Council for the Disabled in 2002 and from 2010 to present is a Consultant with the National Council for the Disabled, when not conducting online training in Business with UWI. 

We all well know and remember when she was appointed to the Senate in 2008 and later became, in 2012 to 2018 the first woman, youngest person and first visually impaired person to hold the position of President of the Senate.  While not seeing herself as political, Kerryann accepted the opportunity to represent her country and to make a significant contribution, and has come to accept that she has been well placed to be an advocate for the disabled and is a voice that continues to build awareness, especially, as many still do not see the disabled in our community as being able to make a worthwhile contribution.

In 2003, Kerryann completed an MBA and is poised to begin studies for a PhD in Social Development, again not to focus on the challenges of being disabled but to fill a void as there is a dearth of information on disabilities and certainly from a personal perspective.   Kerryann notes that technology has now levelled the playing field for the disabled in a way that other areas have not been able to, thus far.

The years at Combermere were enjoyable and well spent.  For Kerryann, the spirit of Combermere is misunderstood by those who have not had the privilege of attending.  This spirit, she adds, is about “a school that creates a supportive environment for anyone, anytime and anywhere – something you can take with you everywhere you go.”

Up and On!