TEN University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona students are the recipients of scholarships funded by earnings from the CIBC FirstCaribbean/UWI VISA Credit Card, an initiative of the bank in collaboration with the Institutional Advancement Division (IAD) of the Office of the Vice Chancellor, UWI.

Specially customised for alumni, faculty and staff of the UWI across the Caribbean, the credit card offers a range of benefits for cardholders while the university receives support towards its continued development with every card account opened or renewed and every purchase made.

Cardholders enjoy reduced interest rates, lower annual fees, VISA travel assistance services, additional cards for family members and available credit card security insurance protection, among a range of benefits and services.

Each cardholder is automatically a donor to the UWI and sums earned are used for various university programmes throughout the region, including scholarships for students.

The Office of Student Financing last week announced the granting of 10 scholarships to Romaine Crawford – actuarial science; Dacia Davis – nursing; Tanay Gillings – biochemistry; Samanthia Gordon – integrated marketing communication; Coleen Morris – psychology; Anika Robinson – journalism; Deandrea Robinson – banking & finance; Kedesha Vassell – international relations; O’Shane Walters – accounting; and Allister Wilkinson – entrepreneurship.

Renee Whitehorne, marketing manager of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, said that the bank “was delighted to facilitate advancement of the UWI through the UWI VISA Card””

“The card was tailormade for the UWI community in response to their need for financial control, safety and security along with fast access to cash. The bonus is not just a top-class credit card, but the opportunity also to contribute to the continued development of their alma mater,” she said.

Celia Davidson-Francis, director, alumni relations, IAD, concurred, remarking that “this is the product that every UWI graduate, staff member and student should have.

“It is a painless way of giving back, which benefits current students.”