Turn Over a New Leaf for the New School Year – Rev. Thwaites Urges

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites is calling on students, parents and educators to “turn over a new leaf” by committing to the pursuit of excellence in the new academic year.

“This is a time for deep commitment on the part of us all and the commitment embraces everyone…we must use what we have to accomplish more for ourselves whether it is in our academic pursuits or any other passion that you have,” he urged.

Rev. Thwaites was speaking at the 15^th annual Burger King National Scholarship Awards Ceremony held on August 25 at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

He is encouraging students to dedicate themselves to their studies by arriving at classes on time and ensuring that they complete homework assignments.

“Video games and cable and lyming on the street corner cannot substitute for practising your reading and mathematics and for doing all you can to advance your studies,” he pointed out.

The Minister, in the meantime, commended corporate Jamaica for their generous contribution to the education sector.

“The education system could not achieve what it has without the gift that Burger King and many other companies in Jamaica and abroad offer to our students,” he said.

During the award ceremony, the company disbursed over $3.5 million in scholarships, bursaries and education and book grants to 36 students pursuing studies in academics, arts and sports.

Book vouchers valued at $100,000 were also presented to several students of Padmore Primary School in St. Andrew, who excelled in the recent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

Sales and Marketing Manager for Restaurant Associates Limited, which trades as Burger King, Sabrena McDonald Radcliffe, said that the company remains dedicated to assisting the nation’s youth to pursue their goals.

“We are proud to play our part in creating a legacy of excellence in Jamaica…each year we set out to invest in opportunities that allow Jamaica’s youth, who are ultimately Jamaica’s future, to express themselves. The directors at Burger King believe in this fully and this is why our support of youth development programmes has been consistent,” she said.

Since 2001, over $30 million in scholarships has been awarded to over 300 students. Over the years, Burger King has also given support to numerous cultural, sport and academic programmes.

Among the attendees were Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna; Opposition Senator, Arthur Williams; and Chairman of Restaurant Associates Limited, Lois Sherwood.