THE University of Technology (UTech) and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) honoured its MOU with the award of three scholarships valued at $417,000 and the proposed Curator and Groundsman Course to begin next January.

This was announced at a press launch at Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership, UTech, yesterday.

Allen Powell, credited for his role in his team’s 2006 and 2009 Community Cricket League victories, boasts a batting average of 35 runs.

A graduate of Manchester High, Powell is pursuing a degree in construction and technology. The $92,000 award will cover the full cost of his boarding for the academic year.

Cassius Burton, an avid all-rounder known for copping a Grace Kennedy Award in 2010, left an indelible mark at St Elizabeth Technical, which he attended.

He is pursuing a degree in sports management in the Faculty of Science and Sports. Burton’s $120,000 will assist in his tuition fees.

Meanwhile Davion Johnson, a respected all-rounder, slammed four centuries for Kingston Cricket Club. A major in sports management, he received $113,000 towards his tuition and $92,000 for boarding.

Anthony Davis, UTech’s director of sports, in lauding the MOU signed last year, said the cricket scholarship award is one of many areas of the MOU that will benefit the fraternity.

Davis said Jamaica needs to get more people involved and raise the quality in all sporting areas. This, he said, can only be realised if the nation applies more financial support and training in those critical areas which have been lacking.

He underscored the importance of UTech’s Classics series which involves golf, volleyball and basketball. He said UTech, in hosting these competitions, invites not only participants from Jamaican universities, but also those from abroad.

Dr Colin Giles, deputising for Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech, bemoaned the standard of West Indies cricket over the past 15 years.

He said having a Faculty of Science and Sports will lift local cricket standards and he hoped proper facilities will return West Indies cricket to its former glory.

Lyndel Wright, president of the JCA, shared the same sentiments and anticipates the growth of cricket with the MOU in progress. He also congratulated the recipients, urging them to make the best use of the scholarship and that they should work hard to realise their goals.