Mrs. Veronica Caines (1932 - 2019), dedicated more than 60 years of her life to the education of youth, and the betterment of her community.  Early in her youth, she realized the importance of education, had a thirst for learning, and had a keen desire to be a teacher. In her Post Primary exams, she placed 1st in Antigua and 2nd in what was then “the colonies of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, Tortola and Montserrat.”  Her teaching career started at the tender age of 16 when she was appointed as a pupil teacher for her 7th standard class and quickly progressed to Assistant Teacher. She worked diligently for three years and was given a scholarship to the Spring Gardens Teachers Training College in St. Johns. After graduation she continued her educational journey spending time teaching at the All-Saints primary school and the Liberta Primary school. Her primary focus was on ensuring that students were able to pass Common Entrance exams and thereby obtain scholarships to the All-Saints Secondary School.  During this time in her career she also served as principal of the Old Road Primary school and the Cobbs Cross Primary School.  

To better prepare herself for service as an educator, Mrs. Caines pursured additional higher education, attending the University of Exeter in Devon, England and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in 1976.  Subsequently, she was assigned as principal of the All-Saints Secondary School. This position was only temporary however, as she ultimately stepped down to head the English department until her retirement. During her tenure, she also represented Antigua and Barbuda in regional educational events. 

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Retirement did not in any way diminish her goals for educating youth. After her official retirement, Mrs. Caines continued to teach in the private sector at the TOR Memorial school. She also continued to offer her time and financial assistance to students attending elementary schools. 

In appreciation for her lifelong dedication to education, the government of Antigua and Barbuda, in 2008, awarded Mrs. Caines the “Order of Merit” for outstanding performance in the field of education. 

Mrs. Caines’ life was also about her faith and community service. As a member of the local Seventh-Day Adventist church in All Saints, she held several positions over the years. She served as a Pathfinder leader, chorister, church pianist, music teacher, Advent Youth leader and treasurer. In her community she was viewed as a trusted counselor to all, often delivering words of wisdom and comfort to those in need. She was an honorary member of the All Saints Caring group and practiced and taught first aid as a member of the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade. 

This annual USD $500 scholarship continues her legacy of assistance to individuals desirous of continuing their education on a post-secondary level.