Dante Saunders, a first-year student at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA), has been named the first-ever recipient of the Oliver Samuels Scholarship.

The $300,000 award was established by Jamaica’s legendary comedian and cultural icon to support the next generation of artistes.

Interim Principal Dorrett R Campbell described the scholarship as a transformative partnership stating: “Scholarships do more than cover tuition costs. They affirm a young person’s worth. They say, ‘We see you, we believe in you.’ For nearly five decades Edna Manley College has been the crucible in which Jamaica’s creative talent has been shaped. Dreams require resources. Potential needs pathways. Today, these are not merely words. Today they become action. Today they become hope, made tangible.”

Samuels, Jamaica’s king of comedy, presented the scholarship during a special handover ceremony at EMCVPA. Saunders, who is pursuing studies in arts management and humanities in the School of Arts Management and Humanities, was selected for his academic promise, leadership potential, and personal story, which the selection committee said reflected the resilience and vision the scholarship was created to support.

Oliver Samuels Foundation aims to award four annual scholarships in the arts to students in Jamaica and the Diaspora.

Also present were comedian and author Owen “Blakka” Ellis, senior lecturer at EMCVPA; College Orator Amina Blackwood-Meeks; veteran actresses Deon Silvera and Terri Salmon, who serves as Saunders’ mentor; and singer DiMario McDowell.

Samuels shared: “This foundation is important to me because all I want is to see the arts in all aspects be continued for generations. The Caribbean is an amazing place. Our cultures are really wonderful, so we should preserve it. I’ve always wanted to give back, so it is my responsibility to go out there and ‘mek sure seh’ it is sustained, and to give students the opportunity to learn and hone their craft.”

In response to the scholarship, an emotional Saunders told the audience: “I stand here with a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility; ‘me feel real proud ah myself!’ Thank you to Mr Oliver Samuels and Mr Jeff Browne for making this possible. It’s not all about the cheque, it’s about the fact that people believe in me, so I really appreciate the Oliver Samuels Foundation.”

The foundation’s chairman, Jeff Browne, underscored its mission, stating: “Words are not enough. Hope without real investment is just a nice speech. We must have a burning desire to envision a Jamaica where dreams, love for people, and willingness to work hard will help you lift yourself and others.”

Deanroy Bernard, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, attending on behalf of Minister Olivia Grange, commended the foundation: “Arts education is both cultural and economic infrastructure. Today we’re making a statement that the arts and dreams of our young people are worthy of serious investment. Jamaicans are proud of you, Oliver. Not simply because you’ve always made us laugh, but because you made us recognise ourselves. You held up a mirror to Jamaican life.”

The Oliver Samuels Scholarship forms part of EMCVPA’s wider strategy to expand student support through partnerships with cultural icons, corporate Jamaica, and public agencies, ensuring talented young people are not excluded from professional arts training due to financial barriers.

Jamaica’s King of Comedy Oliver Samuels (right) shares a light moment with his foundation’s first scholarship awardee, Dante Saunders, post-handover ceremony.