MBJ Airports Limited, operator of Sangster International Airport, recently distributed $22 million in grants to 150 students and six institutions across western Jamaica and St Elizabeth from funds raised from the MBJ Charity Run.

The fourth annual MBJ Charity Run Awards Ceremony, held in Montego Bay, brought together recipients, sponsors, and community leaders to celebrate and gift the recipients as the award-winning airport operator again delivered on its commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of students in the region.

MBJ’s CEO Shane Munroe announced that this year’s record-breaking fund-raising achievement was made possible through the support of 87 corporate sponsors and more than 2,300 run/walk participants. “Every dollar raised from this event will be invested entirely in educational opportunities and community development across Western Jamaica, directly touching the lives of our young people and strengthening the future of our community,” Munroe said.

Three recipients – placed in the category Beyond Barriers Superstars – shared their compelling journeys, highlighting how the MBJ grants are helping them overcome significant obstacles.

Anika Harty spoke of the challenges she faced as a first-generation university student from a household of six. These included losing her job during the pandemic and having to shift from full-time to part-time studies to help with family bills.

Another recipient, Cheryl Thompson-Tingling, a 43-year-old street vendor pursuing a degree at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, demonstrated that education has no age limit. “I never got to attend school regularly as a child,” Thompson-Tingling revealed, “but I still had this deep dream.” Now a mother of three, she earned six Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects while maintaining her business, proving that determination knows no bounds. “You don’t have to give up, because there is light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t have a laptop. I use my phone,” she said as she encouraged her fellow recipients to never give up.

Natasha Pritchard, a finance and management student at Montego Bay Community College, shared how she paused her education for two years to support her family after both parents faced serious health challenges. “Watching your parents, your backbone and support system, in their most vulnerable state creates a constant fear,” Pritchard shared. Despite these challenges, she resumed her studies and is now in her fourth and final year with the support of the MBJ grant.

The award recipients were encouraged by keynote speaker, Georgia Crawford-Williams, who delivered an inspiring charge to the recipients.

“Dream big, work hard, and show gratitude,” she said. These three elements, she emphasised, are fundamental to achieving greatness, regardless of one’s starting point.

Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang, in his address, stressed the importance of education in national development. “Education, peace, and productivity are what will make our nation strong, wealthy, and safe,” he said as he commended MBJ’s commitment to community development.

The ceremony also highlighted institutional recipients, including Hampton School, which will use its grant to repair hurricane-damaged facilities, and Herbert Morrison Technical High School, which will enhance its mechanical engineering unit. The Wingz Kidz programme, supporting at-risk youth, received funding for the second consecutive year. Other institutional recipients were the Autism Centre, St James High School, and Spot Valley High School.

A highlight of this year’s ceremony was the announcement of the MBJ Foundation, which will now manage the company’s interest in education and community development across western Jamaica.

CEO Munroe said the foundation will enable the expansion of its impact and create sustainable long-term programmes, with their first major infrastructure project being the construction of a school facility for early childhood education in the community of Flanker.