The course which will run from August 1 – 19, is an event organized annually since 1973, by the Inter-American Juridical Committee and the Department of International Law of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs of the Organization of American States.

Representing St. Kitts & Nevis is Ms. Sonia Boddie, who was the recipient of a special scholarship provided by the Organization of American States, OAS.

The course provides an opportunity to promote the exchange of ideas and to generate an open dialogue about issues of particular relevance in the area of international Law. The cadre of professors at this Course is made up of prestigious professors from the Americas and Europe.

Ms. Boddie said she was “very happy” when the OAS office in Washington, notified her that her application was successful.

“I knew I had a good chance of being selected, as I met the major requirements of the scholarship, which were having a degree in international law or international relations and being fluent in both Spanish and English. Nonetheless, I was overwhelmed to learn that I was not only selected, but I was the only candidate from the English Speaking Caribbean who was selected.”

Ms. Boddie said she found out about the Course via the OAS Educational Portal website (www.educoas.com).

She said she regularly visits the site to see what Professional Development Courses are available, as she firmly believes in Continuing Professional Development.

She is quoted as saying, “As young professionals we cannot become stagnant or complacent, we must endeavour to   sharpen our skills and expand our knowledge to make ourselves more marketable, in today’s every increasing competitive global environment. I therefore implore all young professionals and aspiring professionals to utilize the internet to their advantage and seek out opportunities to better themselves.”

Ms. Boddie said she was really intrigued when she saw the announcement for this course, as she felt this was indeed a perfect opportunity for her to learn more about international law and to further prepare her, as she strives to accomplish her dream of becoming a diplomat.

She disclosed her dream of becoming a leading actor on not only the regional but the international stage in years to come and she will use this course to learn how best  to sail the rough seas of international negotiations and survive the  turbulent conditions of international politics.