Students Receive Grants from Jamaican Workers at Gebbers Farms

Twenty-two agricultural science students from 11 schools in St. Elizabeth have received academic grants worth a combined $660,000, from Jamaican workers at Gebbers Farms in Washington, United States (US).

The initiative was done in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and GraceKennedy Company Ltd.

The money was collected by the workers during their annual Jamaica Day celebrations in the US.

At the handover ceremony, held at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, on June 5, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., lauded the workers for their generosity.

“There is nothing better than identifying the children who need help the most. Providing 22 students from schools across St Elizabeth with these grants, totalling $660,000, speaks volumes about what you are about, not only what you would do for the community but how you feel and think about the community,” Mr. Charles Jr. said.

“It is really pleasing, and I am very happy to see that Gebbers Farms and the farm workers have chosen to not only be a representation of the positive and to do good to the community but you really reflect what true collaboration and partnership is about,” the Minister said.

This donation of grants to the students marked the 14th year of charitable initiatives from the Gebbers Farms workers, as they have embarked on several other endeavours over the years, including giving academic grants to several other students across the island.

For his part, Supervisor at Gebbers Farms, Eyon Gayle, expressed gratitude to the Labour Ministry and GraceKennedy for partnering in the execution of the initiative.

He also encouraged the students to do well, despite their challenges, as they are “only temporary if you hold you head high and strive for excellence”.

The students, all in Grade 10, also received gift baskets from GraceKennedy.