By Anthony Minott, Freelance Writer

The Edwards twins - Anthony Minott photo

On July 14, 1985, Laura and Kerri Edwards were born in Kingston. But as fate would have it, the girls were given up for adoption by their mother shortly after. However, not knowing their biological mother has not prevented the girls from achieving their dreams.

The twins were adopted at 10 months by Violet Edwards who has been their mom and mentor for the past 21 years.

The girls grew up in the Kingston 20 area and attended St. Hugh's School from 1996-2003. Laura and Kerri were successful at the CXC level in five subjects. They repeated their success in CAPE.

With honours

Both sisters have completed their first degree in philosophy at University of the West Indies (UWI); Kerri received upper second class honours and Laura graduated with first class honours.

The intellectual twins have been accepted for the Faculty of Law for this school year.

Laura said she enjoys being a twin because of the benefits. "It's nice, because there is always somebody there to talk to. We study together and both play badminton for the U.W.I.," she said.

The siblings have a decorated history in sports. Laura and Kerri played on St. Hugh's team that has won the all-island title on two occasions. They have also represented Jamaica in badminton at the junior and senior levels.

Laura likes Kerri because of her unique personality. "I like the fact that she is different from me personality-wise, she is very frank and outspoken, she always speaks her mind," Laura said.

Kerri says that Laura is an 'academic workaholic'. "She's the one pushing me to work hard at my school work. She's fun, little and she's cute," Kerri says of Laura.

Kerri says a couple of years ago they normally did summer jobs and their co-workers had difficulty identifying them. They add that even their mother sometimes has difficulty telling them apart.

Ms. Edwards said that the twins are very special to her. "They are gorgeous and they make me very proud, and I like how they conduct themselves and I like their values."

She remembered the day she first saw the beautiful girls cuddled together. "I fell in love with them right away and I bonded with them from the start."

Physical flattery

After being with their mother for so many years, the twin girls are now looking like their adopted mom.

"They are very beautiful, athletic, bright they are well-rounded, and well principled," a beaming Miss Edwards said.

Ms. Edwards had some advice for parents.

"I think you have to dream big dreams for them. You have to believe that your children have the ability to succeed, and therefore try to nurture their self esteem. Let the children feel valued. They should be firm in their discipline but reasonable, give their children space to grow and help them to make meaningful decisions," she said.