Tanya Belle James becomes first St Kitts Prison Officer to get a masters degree

Tanya Belle-James of Basseterre has become the first St Kitts prison officer with a Masters Degree. On Thursday, she received her degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services from Monroe College, New York.

James stated that she is happy to reach her goal and also encouraged others to pursue their goals.

"Delay is never denial, and timing is everything. I was written off by many, I was told i'll be thrown out of school. Nothing grows without rain, and all this negativity caused me to look at life through a different lens. I was determined to defy the odds, and today is proof that I did just that," said James.

She stated that many times during the journey, she wanted to give up but always managed to handle marriage, family, school and work altogether.

"I wanted to graduate with honours, and I worked hard towards it, but it just was not to be. I decided to return to school to better equip myself for the career I wanted in Rehabilitation, so I started a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services, so I could better serve Her Majesty's Prison, where I have been employed for over eight years," said James.

She stated that she is happy to be the first prison officer who has achieved a Bachelor's and now a Masters Degree.

"I am a proud Prison Officer, and I'm blazing trails for others to follow within my institution. Too long has society seen the job of a prison officer as just a turn of a key. It is time we demand the respect that is deserved,".

She also sent out a message to all the young people, "To the young ladies and young men out there that may have had a rough start academically, come from a poor household and even those who have been written off by society. Know that you can do anything you put your mind to; the right circle can make a huge difference,".