Robert Theodore Luke Vincent Browne is St. Vincent’s first Rhodes Scholar.
While studying at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, he was elected the President of the Guild of Students. During his term as president, he doubled the welfare provision for disadvantaged students; suggested that the university negotiate travel discounts on behalf of students; and lobbied successfully for enhanced student safety. He worked towards the implementation of a comprehensive Health Insurance Package for students and the establishment of a Pharmacy.
He led a Student March titled The Right to Ride, in protest of the violent harassment of female colleagues faced when using public transport vehicles; and generated a petition signed by over 2000 students for the provision of a shuttle system.
In 2004, Luke continued his passion for international cooperation and understanding by becoming a Delegate to the Global Young Leaders’ Conference in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Luke is also dedicated to sports, health, and diet. As the student president of UWI, he developed a detailed Sports Programme for the Hall of Residence that emphasized diet; the relationship between sport and multiple intelligence development; and physical activity.
In addition to his leadership as a student leader, Luke took his service into the classroom where he began teaching at Emmanuel High School in Mesopotamia. He went on to be an A-Level tutor at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.
After his studies at UWI Luke, as a Rhodes Scholar, was selected to study at the world-renowned University of Oxford. He was recognized with this prestigious honour because of his academic brilliance, achievement in sports, concern for human development and leadership.
Upon returning to St. Vincent, he immediately sought to be of service to his country. He was appointed to the Senate and currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.
Browe unsuccessfully contested the East Kingtown seat in 2010, losing to Political Leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace.
Active in his constituency, Luke founded the Light Hill Foundation and has used it to publish several books. It also sponsors the Richmond Hill United Football team and supports Christmas light up work across the constituency. He also founded Luke’s Kids Club, an organisation for children that hosts summer programmes and provides lessons for Grade 6 students from disadvantaged households. |
