Students in St. James Receive Book Grants

More than 100 Primary and All Age school students from St. James, were presented with book grants valued at $5,000.00 each, yesterday (August 10).
The money was raised through a partnership between the St. James Parish Council and Stages Production, with $250,000.00 each coming from local stage shows, ‘Money Worries’ and ‘Bashment Granny 2’.
The presentations were made at the Montego Bay Civic Centre by the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair, members of the St. James Parish Council and cast members of the hilarious play, ‘Money Worries’, led by Actress, Andrea ‘Delcita’ Wright, and formed part of the annual Mayor’s ‘Back- to-school’ donation initiative.
In his address, Mayor Sinclair said that the St. James Parish Council placed great emphasis on education generally, and in particular, the education of the young persons who will be the leaders and movers of tomorrow’s Jamaica.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair (with tie) and Actress, Andrea ‘Delcita’ Wright (to his right), with recipients of the Mayor’s ‘Back-to-School’ book grants, at the Montego Bay Civic Centre, in St. James, on August 10.

“In the past year, we made contributions to schools, of books that were used at the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) level and there were some schools that were selected and presented with books used by needy children. We had made a contribution of some $250,000.00 then, and now we are making a greater contribution of $500,000.00, which will see more needy students assisted with books for the new school year,” the Mayor said.
He urged parents to act responsibly in ensuring that the funds are used for the intended purpose, and that students are given an opportunity to attain a good education.
“Let us all make an effort to be responsible parents; the children must attend school, because they are the future of Jamaica. This programme is going to be an act of symbolism, as we would like to see this idea adopted by persons and organisations more fortunate in our society,” Mayor Sinclair emphasised.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Charles Sinclair, addressing participants at the handing over of book grants, at the Montego Bay Civic Centre, St. James, on August 10. More than 100 students from the parish were presented with book grants of $5,000 each.

He commended all donors and councillors for their effort, and called on the recipients to make good use of the book assistance and ensure that they work very hard at their lessons in the new school year.
For her part, Miss Wright encouraged parents to use positive words to encourage their children and not to compare them with other children. She also urged children to get an education, as this was most important.
“Children, I am Delcita when I am on stage, but in real life I am a computer technician and I am presently studying at the University of the West Indies. So, although you see me on stage, at the same time I have my education and I am encouraging you all to strive for your education, as this will make you better persons in the future,” Miss Wright told the students.