KINGSTON, Jamaica(JIS) – The Government is reminding parents that free text books are available for primary school children, while there is a book rental system in place for students at the secondary level.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has emphasised that parents should not spend unnecessarily when they can obtain books that are essential, through a scheme which is operating and without cost to them.

Senator Reid was delivering the keynote address at the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) 2016 Scholarship awards ceremony, held recently at the Knutsford Court Hotel, in St Andrew.

“I have also offered a 6th Form book rental programme as of this year, to reduce the burden on parents,” the Minister advised.

Senator Reid told the 54 VMBS scholarship recipients that the investment made by the financial institution in their education will aid the country’s development prospects.

 He also urged parents to support the children with the same commitment from primary school to high school and to university.

“This is an important investment in the country’s long term development, as we strive to make a better life through education,” the minister said, adding that the students will continue to do well with the proper supervisory role of parents.

He told the scholarship recipients that having received this “gracious” contribution, they have a responsibility to continue to shine when they go to high school.

Forty six Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students were presented with bursaries valued at $15,000 each; four high school students were awarded $30,000 each; three tertiary students got $120,000 each, while a final year university student received a $150,000 scholarship.