"I wanted to be a part of that history": Wolfson MPhil student a standard bearer at King's Coronation

"It was a busy week," says David, who attended the rehearsal for the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey just three days after handing in a draft of his MPhil dissertation in Development Studies. 

David, who was also selected as Jamaica’s 2023 Rhodes Scholar, was chosen by his country’s Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, because he was deemed to be ‘a high achiever who has made a significant contribution to society’.

"It was a historic occasion, I really enjoyed it," he says. "And I wanted to be a part of that history."

Although, he says, the standard itself was quite heavy to carry. "People asked me why the serious face, but I was just trying to hold on to it - which was very difficult in the wind!"

The event also gave David the opportunity to meet heads of state and other prominent world figures.

"It was a great occasion, and I even had the chance to speak with Caribbean leaders about regional integration and the future of the region. I was trying to talk to as many world leaders as I could!

"The other standard bearers were incredible too.The Grenadian standard bearer was a war veteran who was injured in the line of duty. There were other members of the armed forces, young advocates, and even a national football player, for example. They were all exceptionally talented. We've started a WhatsApp group and we're keeping in touch."

This week, David is back at Wolfson, with quite a story to tell. "It's now back to work though," he says, "I've got essays to write."

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