Three Disabled Young Men Receive Scholarships

Three young men are this year’s recipients of the Margaret Moody Scholarship Fund administered by the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

The awardees, Delon Smith, Ian Smith and Shamar Bennett, who have varying forms of disabilities, were selected out of a competitive group of 13 applicants.

Margaret Moody, who was a nurse at the University Hospital of the West Indies, bequeathed $582,392.30 to the community of disabled persons upon her death in August 1985. Some years later it was handed over to JCPD.

To date, the value of the Fund stands at approximately $15 million.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, which was held at her North Street offices, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, in congratulating the scholars said they represented the “power and potential of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the positive difference they continue to make with their lives and by extension to our lives and the development of the country”.

Mrs. Robinson said she is pleased with the progress being made within the country’s disability sector.

“It is exciting that the disability sector is shifting from merely rehabilitation and treatment to one of positive social inclusion, integration and action and that PWDs are being encouraged to move from welfare to well-being, from dependence to independence and self-empowerment,” she said.

The Minister also used the occasion to call on businesses and other institutions to lend greater support to meet the educational needs of PWDs.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of JCPD, Christine Hendricks, encouraged the recipients to make full use of the opportunity they have been given.

“It is hoped that you will be an example to the community of PWDs and give back to ensure that we achieve Vision 2030, so that together all of us as Jamaicans can help towards the progress of a more developed and inclusive society. Utilise the funds well. We are depending on you to show the world that you can do it,” she urged.

Shamar Bennett, who is enrolled at the University of the West Indies (UWI) will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship. He said the scholarship will help to relieve some of the financial burden to pay for his studies.

“Without this scholarship, I do not know how I would pay to go to the University. I feel overwhelmed. There are not enough words to express my appreciation to the Council,” he shared, adding that the award proved that there is no dream too big to be achieved.

Meanwhile, Ian Smith Jr, who will also attend UWI to read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Gender and Development Studies, encouraged other PWDs who want to go on to tertiary education to be confident.

“Go for what you want. I know it is going to be hard and you may feel intimidated. You may not get the support. Build your self-confidence and know that you are equal to everyone around you,” he said.

The Margaret Moody Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial support to PWDs to access tertiary-level education and courses for specialist qualification. It is also intended to encourage academic excellence within the community of PWDs and to increase their intellectual and vocational capacities.

Since 2013, eight persons have received scholarships at a value of $125,000 each. This year, the value of the scholarships increased to $150,000.

The scholarships are awarded for a maximum of four years and awardees are encouraged to maintain a grade point average of 3.0.

Grants are also given at a value of $80,000 each.