The annual Roger Clarke Scholarship for the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), valued at $250,000, was launched by the CB Group at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, on Tuesday.

In honour of the late Minister of Agriculture, the scholarship will provide funds towards the tuition and expenses of one CASE student each year.

The selected student will also be provided internship and work experience opportunities in the CB Group’s large-scale, vertically integrated agribusiness.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry, said the scholarship is a positive development for the sector.

“If agriculture is going to realise its potential and contribute to growth, we need a strong cadre of professionals to drive that growth, to drive the innovation with the infusion of technology….which will ultimately increase productivity levels and contribute to our food security,” he emphasised.

“I think this is a wonderful way to honour Roger Clarke, and I think that CASE is the institution for agriculture and deserves every support,” the permanent secretary added.

Meanwhile, Corporate Affairs Manager, CB Group Dr Keith Amiel said Clarke had made a significant contribution to the sustainability of the livestock industry.

“For all this and more, his dedication and passion for agriculture in Jamaica, the CB Group is pleased to present to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education the Honorable Roger Clarke Scholarship, beginning September 2016, as they continue to mould future generations of Jamaicans, excited, energised and wired about agriculture,” Dr Amiel said.

For her part, Clarke’s widow Sonia thanked the CB Group for honouring his work and worth by awarding the scholarship programme to the students at CASE.

“My hope is that the recipient will love agriculture as he did and will do your organisation proud,” the late minister’s widow said.

President of CASE, Dr Derrick Deslandes, expressed his appreciation for the scholarship programme, adding that he was “very proud to be associated with Roger Clarke”.

Clarke died on August 28, 2014 while returning to the island from the United States.