By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 21st December 2021) — At age 14, Maleah Erskine has accomplished an advanced level of her academic studies, having sat CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) exams while in third form at the Basseterre High School. Now freshly enrolled in her first year at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), Maleah is happy that she is in an environment which suits her educational level of skills and capabilities. At CFBC, she is in the Arts, Science and General Studies Division pursuing the natural sciences, and is the Public Relations Officer of the Student Government Association.
Maleah has made history in St. Kitts-Nevis as the youngest individual to achieve such academic prowess, having attained a total of twelve (12) CXC subject passes. “I’m glad that I am the first in St. Kitts-Nevis to do this because I hope this would inspire other people my age and even people a little older to put in the effort and accomplish the same things,” Maleah stated.
Her mom Ayanna Erskine said: “They did not allow her to graduate so that is how it all ended up in the media because she wanted to graduate and they didn’t want her to. I told her, ‘They’re not allowing you to graduate so we’re going to do a photoshoot. At least you could take your pictures and remember the occasion.’” Her well-known sister Orngel Erskine — Miss National Carnival Queen 2015 — made a Facebook post capturing the disappointment that Maleah had achieved so much and was not allowed to graduate or be recognized by the school in any way, which went viral.
Despite criticism from some who said she was being pushed too hard or would “end up crazy,” Maleah brushed off the negativity with confidence: “I am somebody different. I can do better and allow me to show you that I can do better.” Her life includes balance — she makes time for social activities including watching Netflix, going to the movies, and dancing with LEAP. She is also the Assistant Secretary of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) and a mathematics tutor for children. In 2020, she was among the Federation’s 25 Most Remarkable Teen awardees. Maleah’s father is Nigel Erskine, a well-known driving instructor.