16 Students Receive Scholarships Valued at US$40,000

Sixteen tertiary-level students have received scholarships valued at some US$40,000, through support from the Jamaican Diaspora.

The presentations were made during a symbolic ceremony for the ‘Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala Scholarships’ held on Tuesday (March 21) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston.

Funds for the scholarships were derived from a Jamaica 60 Diamond Jubilee Gala event organised by the Consul General in New York, Alsion Roach Wilson, with the support of the Jamaica Diaspora community in New York and surrounding States, as well as private sector partners and friends of the island.

The students, who are attending the University of the West Indies, Mona; University of Technology; College of Agriculture, Science and Education; and Sam Sharpe Teachers College, are pursuing studies in agriculture education, animal science, banking and finance, biotechnology, computer science, engineering, marketing, medicine, nursing, statistics and economics, science and technology, and teaching.

Speaking at the hand over ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said the scholarship initiative is a further demonstration of the critical role the Diaspora plays in contributing to the lives of Jamaicans from all walks of life.

“This overwhelming collective support is truly heartwarming, especially being mindful that Jamaica’s education sector is steadily recovering after severe disruptions caused by the pandemic. This support will go a long way in assisting our students towards their goals,” she noted.

Senator Johnson Smith said that the Government’s engagement of the Diaspora “is not solely for national development but more importantly, for supporting and empowering fellow Jamaicans wherever they may reside.”

“The Government continues to refine the process of ensuring the welfare of Jamaicans at home and abroad and lobbying foreign governments where possible in support of the interests of Jamaicans,” she said.

The Minister encouraged the awardees to remain steadfast in achieving their goals.

“Each one of you represents the hope for Jamaica’s future. The Government supports your growth and development, and will continue to create an enabling environment for you to realize your potential and the development of Jamaica’s human capital,” she said.