JAMALCO has again demonstrated its commitment to building better communities through education by awarding some 70 secondary and tertiary level students from Clarendon and Manchester with bursaries and scholarships valued at some $10m for the 2022/2023 academic year.

The awards were announced during a ceremony at the Halse Hall Great House on Wednesday, July 29. The beneficiaries were selected based on established need, academic performance, leadership qualities and involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Guest speaker and acting chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Kasan Troupe, commended Jamalco for continuing to demonstrate its investment in education and understanding the value of education. “Even with the pandemic and the disruption caused by the fire, here it is on the agenda and it tells me that Jamalco understands its corporate social responsibility.”

Dr Troupe added that, “the education system is designed to enable all of us, to make you successful, to make you the best that you can be, but we cannot do it alone. Education requires all hands on deck and we thank Jamalco for being on this path with us.”

While congratulating the students, she urged them to make good use of their education, as she encouraged the students to “be committed to their education, keep working hard while believing that they were made for excellence.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Managing Director Austin Mooney said, “Despite Jamalco’s setback with the fire which curtailed production eleven months ago, we understood that not awarding the scholarships this year would have derailed the hopes and ambition of a lot of students, therefore it is our hope that this support will go a far way in helping with your education.”

Mooney challenged the students to stay committed and work hard on their studies “as this step will not only be a benefit to you but could potentially change trajectory of future generations. Education is the key in helping you to make a valuable contribution to your family, future generations and your community,” he said

In her overview, Corporate Services Manager Donna Marie Brooks said despite the challenges that the company has faced over the past 11 months, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to education “because we are cognisant that education is fundamental to having a productive and prosperous society and it is the safest ticket to upward social mobility.”

She encouraged the students not to take the scholarship from Jamalco lightly, but make it count, by working hard and so prepare themselves to make a worthwhile contribution to society. “Dare to be different by challenging existing norms and chart your own path. Do not allow anyone to control the course of your future. Be the master of your destiny,” Brooks urged.

She cautioned the students to exceed the required 3.0 grade point average (GPA) for consideration next academic year.

Of the 70 students, 55 are multi-time recipients while 15 are receiving assistance for the first time.