By Ms. Simone Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
When Ms. Abby Taylor graduated from the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History, she could not have foreseen her path leading to the historic appointment as the Presiding Officer of the Assembly Legislature in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). At just 36 years old, she made history as the youngest individual to hold this esteemed position. Ms. Taylor’s inspiring story is a testament to resilience, faith, and a commitment to serving her community.
A Leap of Faith
Ms. Taylor’s path to USC began with a bold decision. She was employed in Tobago when she chose to resign, using her gratuity to fund her education. “I took a leap of faith,” she recalls. “I decided that in order to do this as quickly as possible, I needed to be at USC’s main campus in Trinidad.” She was fortunate to receive 100% tuition coverage through GATE, a program she describes as “very gracious.”
Initially interested in law, Ms. Taylor pivoted to history after excelling in Tort Law and discovering her love for the subject. Her decision to attend USC was influenced by her brothers, alumni of the institution and members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faith. Although she does not practice the Adventist faith, she appreciated the transformative impact it had on her siblings. “I saw how it changed their mindsets. I appreciate everything the SDA religion stands for,” she shares.
USC: A Place of Growth and Community
Ms. Taylor’s USC experience was defined by independence, camaraderie, and cultural diversity. Living just five minutes from campus allowed her to maintain autonomy, particularly as a mother to her then four-year-old daughter. “It gave me a sense of independence,” she says, recalling the countless hours spent in the library before walking home late at night.
Her time at USC also forged lifelong friendships. “My best friends and I all cemented our bond on campus,” she recalls fondly. The ripple effect of her influence is evident; one friend, inspired by Ms. Taylor’s passion, enrolled in a psychology program at USC. Today, that friend’s daughter is set to graduate from USC with a degree in biology, a testament to the enduring impact of their bond.
Diversity at USC also left a lasting impression. “USC prides itself on being culturally diverse,” Ms. Taylor observes. The annual International Students Week, showcasing the traditions and cuisines of various cultures, remains one of her fondest memories. “It’s almost like edutainment. We learn through different interactions and communications.”
Taylor fondly describes USC as “home away from home,” a nurturing environment where the warmth of staff, students, and faculty fostered a deep sense of belonging. “There’s something uniquely comforting about USC. Even when homesickness struck my friend, the community cocooned her with love.”
Challenges that Shaped Resilience
Presenting a final research paper was a daunting hurdle for Taylor, who admits to being reserved. To navigate this, she delved into a unique topic: women in calypso, showcasing the profound influence of her history professors. Despite these challenges, Ms. Taylor found support and inspiration from faculty members like Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, Dr. Loverne Jacobs-Browne, Dr. Terencia Joseph, and Mr. Hayden McKenna. Her professors’ wisdom, particularly Dr. Irwin Wilson’s call to “Think! Make it a habit,” continues to influence her professional life.
A Career in Public Service
Taylor’s path to public service was not premeditated but stemmed from a deep desire to bring change. A friend encouraged her to enter the political arena, and she took another leap of faith. After years of service in various public roles, she entered politics to uplift her Mary’s Hill community, driven by their untapped potential. Despite her initial reservations and social anxiety, Taylor embraced the challenge, encouraged by friends and family. “I hated seeing so much potential go to waste. That was the catalyst for entering politics,” she shares.
Ms. Taylor’s career began in public service with the Division of Settlements, where she served as a Client Relations Officer for a decade. She later worked as a Public Procurement Officer in the Division of Sport and as Procurement Manager at the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited. Each role deepened her understanding of governance and community impact.
Her current role as Presiding Officer of the Assembly Legislature in the THA marks a historic milestone. Appointed in December 2021 at just 36 years old, Ms. Taylor is the youngest person to hold this position. In her capacity as Presiding Officer, she has introduced initiatives like “Primary Plenary,” a groundbreaking program that engages primary school students in legislative practices and debates. “The primary schoolers got it right,” she says proudly. “We were able to create a platform for them to have a voice.” The program has garnered recognition from both the national parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Defining Moments and Lasting Impact
Ms. Taylor’s greatest accomplishment, however, transcends policy. She recounts helping a mother of three from Castara secure a new home through a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank. “To this day, I call that lady my mother because she prays for me,” she shares. This act of service, deeply personal and transformative, exemplifies her commitment to uplifting others.
Her professional experiences have also broadened her worldview. Representing the THA at the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Australia underscored the importance of dreaming big. “The world is bigger than Trinidad and Tobago,” she affirms, echoing the wisdom of her USC lecturer, Mr. McKenna.
Words of Wisdom
For new students, Ms. Taylor emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and faith. “Be open-minded and allow God to lead,” she advises. She credits USC for teaching her to rely on God and for fostering bonds with teachers who became lifelong mentors.
To outgoing students, she offers this reassurance: “Whatever you have learned at USC, put it into practice. Your gift will always make way for you.”
Ms. Taylor’s life and career embody this philosophy. From her leap of faith to attend USC to her groundbreaking role in governance, she continues to inspire those around her. Her story is a powerful reminder that with faith, perseverance, and a willingness to serve, no dream is too big.
Ms. Abby Taylor’s journey reflects the essence of the USC experience—a place where faith meets education, and dreams are nurtured into reality. As she leads with humility and grace, she exemplifies the university’s mission to inspire ethical leaders who will serve the world with distinction.
