Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Ebony Lyall Nicholas

The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Ebony Lyall Nicholas

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 31 year old Ebony Lyall-Nicholas and I’m currently employed as a Forensic Analyst/Firearms Examiner at the Belize National Forensic Science Service Laboratory. Ever since my youth, I have been avidly involved in community activities, ranging from playing on and then coaching sports teams, working with the Red Cross, public service committees, religious youth groups and those such as Belmopan Active Youths to name a few. I am currently second in charge of my Unit.

I was born and raised in beautiful Corozal town and did primary school, secondary school and Junior College there. One of my proudest achievements was earning the title of National Queen of the Bay, while representing my district in 2002. I completed the University of Belize in Belmopan in 2006 at the age of 19 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. I taught temporarily at Edward P. York High School, then worked at the Ministry of Finance as a temporary secretary then Utilities Analyst from 2007 to 2009. I moved to Canada and worked. I returned to Belize in 2011 and fortunately got my dream job of becoming a Forensic Analyst in Belize, first in the Biology unit then upon promotion in 2012 in the Firearms Unit. In 2014, I decided that I need to further qualify myself for personal development and for the hopes of improving the Forensic Science Service in Belize and raising the standards of our work, consequently impacting the justice system and the Belizean Society on a whole. With my work experience being an asset, I was fortunate enough to apply for and earn one the CHEVENING Scholarships offered in 2014 and travelled to Glasgow, Scotland in the United Kingdom to embark upon my Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science. The experience was invaluable. I experienced a new part of the world and way of life, created networking opportunities, made friends and memories, gained a wealth of knowledge and proudly earned a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science (Forensic Biology) with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde. I returned from Scotland in 2015 and proudly became Mrs. Ebony Lyall-Nicholas upon marriage in December of that year. My most recent blessing has been the birth of my son, my first child, in July of 2017. I believe that life can only continue to get better from here.

2. You recently graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Strathclyde, majoring in Forensic Science. What do you believe is important in this your role?

With the wealth of knowledge acquired during my year of study, I returned home with newly sparked fervor for application of updated techniques and skills. I believe that I equipped myself to provide vital objective information to the justice system. Understanding how my work can assist in the provision of justice was a key aspect from which I benefited from my studies. We were not only trained in technique but also in vision, values, integrity and professional attitude which are key requirements in my position. Physical evidence acts as a silent witness in the execution of Justice, whether it be for exoneration or conviction and that’s what Forensic Science assists with.

3. Tell us more about your academic life at this University? How did you receive the scholarship? Why did you choose this particular University? When did you commence studies? What subject areas are focused on? What’s your relationship like with fellow students?

Academic life in the UK and at this University took a little bit of getting use to especially when it came to understanding the grading system and weight of grades and lecturing methods. There was no shortage of resources, however, to make the experience go as smoothly as possible. Achieving distinction would mean being dedicated and required a willingness to push hard all the time. It would get overwhelming from time to time but the end result was so worth the journey. I enjoyed the fact the class, though small, was filled with students from all over the world all working towards the same goal. I was able to build lifetime friendships with them.

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship when it was advertised in 2013. I was shortlisted for an interview in early 2014 and then received news in May 2014 that I had been successful. I commenced studies in September 2014.

I chose Strathchlyde University in Glasgow Scotland for various reasons. I knew two people that had attended this University prior to me and did the same course and recommended it. Additionally, the University and program were accredited, world renown and multi-award winning. It boasted excellence. One other main selling point was that the program at this university included many practical aspects which made it stand out among others which only offered theory.

4. Describe your transformation process from little Belize to Scotland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain?

Having lived overseas before, the transition or transformation was not that difficult, but was amazing. The weather was a major adjustment as it was cold and rainy 95% of the time, but by procuring the right attire from their multitude of stores this became less of an issue as days went by. The accents needed some time to get use to and some people I still couldn’t understand up to the time I left . I did experience a little culture shock initially, but grew quite accustomed to the food, the attire, the slangs, the music, the currency, the transportation and of course, the customs. There was a good mix of modern and historical architecture — it was beautiful. Technology was also top notch. It took some time but yours truly along with my roommates and friends soon got into the full swing of things.

5. What are the challenges you faced as a student at the University of Strathclyde? Opportunities? How is life as a student in Scotland?

In all honesty I did not have many challenges except for having to adjust to the grading criteria and the weight of grades which is different from that in Belize in that a lower grade may hold much more weight than it would at home as it is harder to achieve. I was awarded the opportunity the go to different events organized by the student union which included trips around Scotland and different opportunities to immerse in the Scottish culture. Life as a student is well catered to in Scotland especially living in the university village. Everything including shopping is heavily student based so I got to enjoy, discounts and special packages offered to the university students.

6. Why is Forensic Science important to Belize’s National Development?

Forensic Science is key to the administration of Justice. It involves the analysis of physical evidence which acts as a silent witness in most cases. It provides the science necessary to assist in the conviction or exoneration of individuals, provides objective results on evidence analyzed and reduces the need for eyewitness statements. If used intelligently and properly, it may be a useful tool in curbing the crime rate which will then lead to a safer and more pleasant Belize.

7. Since your return to Belize, what are some of the major projects you were/are involved with? How did you infuse the knowledge and skills garnered in the UK? What impact have these projects made?

Since my return, I have been involved with several capacity building projects involving collaboration with law enforcement. Projects include the inclusion forensic science, the application of new forensic techniques, provision of forms of intelligence and information to law enforcement as well as public education on our capabilities as a forensic service. I have also been involved in the revamping and awakening of the Belize Chevening alumni in order to promote and highlight the excellent scholarship opportunity to interested and qualified Belizeans. The aim is to give potential leaders in various fields an opportunity to improve and qualify themselves and return to give back and help the country grow positively.

8. In one of my recent articles, I stated: ‘It is important to realize that majority of Belize’s younger populations continue to be very mediocre as it relates to becoming holistically educated and cultured, personally and professionally.’ What’s your perspective on this?

I am not sure of what the actual statistics are to add weight to such a statement, however, I do agree that a significant number of the younger Belizean population have lost their way. The mediocracy I believe becomes apparent because of the deterioration in the instilling of good morals from an early age and in the lack of emphasis being placed on the importance of a good education; all of which combine to develop well rounded individuals. I am of the opinion that in order to eliminate the negative trends we need to address the problem from all its sources.

9. Why should Belizeans apply for the Chevening Scholarship? Tell us more about this programme? Contact? Would you be able to provide support?

Education is key to the positive growth of society hence higher education opportunities like the Chevening Scholarship program should be avidly pursued by Belizeans. It is an excellent global scholarship which provides a fully funded opportunity to eligible individuals (future leaders) to pursue a one-year Post Graduate degree (Masters) at any University in the United Kingdom. It includes a flight to and from the UK, tuition and fees, living expenses among other things. Through this program you are afforded the opportunity to grow both educationally and culturally. The program targets outstanding professionals who are well rounded and will return to give back to and positively impact society. You are required to have completed your Bachelor’s degree and have at least two years working experience that can be cumulative and includes volunteer work. Applications will open in August 2018 and can be completed online at http://www.chevening.org/apply or http://www.chevening.org/belize/, where other information is also available. The newly formed alumni can also be contacted for advice and application support at cheveningbelize@gmail.com. I am a part of the alumni executive and it would be my pleasure to provide support where necessary as I have done in the past.

10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?

Dream, Believe, Achieve