Guyanese Emmanuela Desir has been selected to attend the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America. She is the first female from Guyana to have achieved this honour.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, has congratulated Desir, of Georgetown, during a pre-departure ceremony at the US Embassy, where representatives from the Military Liaison Office were present.
Desir will receive a full four-year scholarship at the Academy, sponsored by the US Government. The US Embassy in Georgetown on Wednesday said that only 15 international students from around the world are admitted to the academy per year. It noted that this scholarship builds on the US’ commitment to women, peace and security, “as we recognise the unique and necessary skills that women bring to the security forces”.
“The United States knows that when we invest in a woman, she changes not only her own life, but also that of her family and community. Add that change in a key institution such as the military, and she will change that institution and her country,” the embassy has said.
Ambassador Lynch has praised Desir’s strong desire to serve her country in the area of science, and has noted her plans to return to Guyana to work in the field of green energy.
