University Students Receive Scholarships from IGL

KINGSTON — Six university students, who have excelled in their field of study, have been recognised by the IGL Group with scholarships amounting to over $3 million for the academic year 2011/12.

The scholars, medical students, Kaydeen Morris, Romar Bent, Latoya Gayle, Michell Hunter and Matthew Lyew and nursing student, Trace-Ann Gooden, were presented with the Razai Azard Rahaman Scholarship and the IGL Legacy Scholarship, respectively, during an awards ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) on September 19.

Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Lady Allen, in her keynote address, encouraged the students to continuously strive towards actualisng their goals, while challenging the status quo and doing all they can to help others.

“You are beneficiaries of this scholarship because of the hard work and commitment that you have demonstrated and shall continue to demonstrate. I urge you to continue to exude zeal and enthusiasm in your studies,” she told the students.

She also encouraged the scholars to continue to lead exemplary lives and to seize every opportunity to positively impact the lives of those around them.

“Your desire for success rests in opportunities that are ahead and those that you will seize. Let your life be one of exemplary standards, so that your success, when observed, will be one that is easily replicated and emulated,” Lady Allen said.

This year marks the fifth renewal of the IGL Legacy Scholarship, which was created to recognise and support second year students of the UWI Nursing programme for academic and practical excellence, positive social engagement and to meet the candidates’ demonstrated financial need. The IGL Legacy Scholarship is valued at $100,000 per student per year.

The Razai Azard Rahaman Scholarship, which is named after one of IGL’s esteemed Directors, is in its third year. Like the Legacy Scholarship, it rewards academic success, community involvement and financial need for UWI students enrolled in the faculty of Medical Sciences. The scholarship covers full tuition, hall fees, and book costs annually for each student for five years at $650,000 per year.

Board Chairman of IGL, Asraph Ali, said the company is not only about partnering for, and supporting the economic wellbeing of the industries in the country, but is also committed to being a  responsible social partner,  and in this regard, contributes to the overall development of the nation.

He informed that IGL’s corporate citizenship initiatives include partnership with the St. Patrick’s Foundation to supply nutrition programmes at a number of early childhood learning institutions.

The company also supports a conservation education programme, executed through the Jamaica Environment Trust, and donates book vouchers to schools in close proximity to all IGL plants across the island.

Since 1962, IGL Limited has been Jamaica’s leading distributor of LPG and the primary manufacturer and distributor of industrial and medical gases serving a range of industries. IGL is the sole manufacturer of medical oxygen, which is distributed along with nitrous oxide to hospitals, clinics and homes.

By Athaliah Reynolds, JIS Reporter