St. Maarten Alvin Ailey-bound dancer Shanelle Bucknor receives first EYoung Talent Fund Grant

GREAT BAY--The EYoung Talent Fund, established by EY Dutch Caribbean as part of its broader community impact initiatives alongside EY Cares and managed by the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG), has officially expanded its reach to St. Maarten.

The Fund has awarded its first financial contribution on the island to Shanelle Kemoya Bucknor, a talented young dancer at NIA who has been accepted into the internationally renowned Alvin Ailey School in New York.

Established in Curaçao in 2017, the EYoung Talent Fund supports exceptional young talent in pursuing opportunities in the fields of arts, culture, science and sports. Since January 2026, the Fund has also been available to young talent on St. Maarten.

For Shanelle, her acceptance into the Alvin Ailey School represents an extraordinary opportunity to further develop her talent at one of the world’s leading institutions for professional dance training.

During a recent Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied Fonds op Naam Foundings Session on St. Maarten, Shanelle shared words of gratitude and delivered a special performance that showcased the talent, discipline and dedication that led to her acceptance into Alvin Ailey.

Her teacher, Arlene Halley, also addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of investing in local talent. She highlighted how opportunities such as these can have a lasting impact not only on young artists, but also on the wider community.

The expansion of the EYoung Talent Fund to St. Maarten reflects its continued commitment to creating opportunities for talented young people across the Dutch Caribbean. For St. Maarten, the support provided to Shanelle Kemoya Bucknor represents more than a financial contribution. It is an investment in talent, ambition and the future of the island’s creative community.

About the EYoung Talent Fund

Established in Curaçao in 2017, the EYoung Talent Fund supports exceptional young talent in Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire and St. Maarten. The Fund provides targeted financial support to help young people pursue educational, artistic, scientific and athletic opportunities.

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