KINGSTON, Jamaica — The First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC), through its foundation, has disbursed $3.8 million in scholarships and grants to 15 students and three entrepreneurs at its annual awards ceremony held recently, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The event, staged under the theme “Play to Win: Strength in Strategy, Power in Performance”, celebrated academic excellence and entrepreneurial ambition across Jamaica.

In his address, FHC CEO Xavier D Allen said the theme served as a blueprint for success. “Winning begins long before the victory is celebrated,” Allen told the audience.

“It starts with a plan and visualising your future. Then you must show up, put in the work, and make daily small steps towards your goal to demonstrate your commitment to yourself.”

Allen reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to empowering members through education and enterprise.

“FHC is an organisation with a proud and deep responsibility of supporting its members by enhancing their well-being. We believe in the power of dreams backed by action as a gateway to a better future. At its heart, it is built on people helping people, and this ceremony is a clear example of that principle in action,” he said.

More than $600,000 in five-year scholarships were awarded to Primary Exit Profile achievers Kai’den Evering, Alake-Kia Burrell, Kayrah Fullerton, Zamaryah Hines, and De-vonee Greenfield.

One-time bursaries were apresented to Rajauni Horne, Isabelle Thomas, Keira Forbes, Taejha Goulbourne, and Garrecia Nelson.

At the tertiary level, $1.7 million was distributed through the Renald Mason, Oswald Thorbourne, and Sports Education scholarships.

Recipients included Gayon Stewart (St Joseph Teachers’ College), Tajhaun Bennett (University of the West Indies, Mona), Tonique Orgill (UWI Banking and Finance), and Venecia Vaz (G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport). Additional bursaries went to Julian Clarke (Northern Caribbean University), Ronaldo Hitchman (Caribbean Maritime University), as well as Lavana Shorter and Simoy Douglas (G C Foster College).

Three entrepreneurs also shared $1.5 million in grants. They were Shane Miller, owner of Stevos Weavos; Renae McEachron of Breezy Castle Farm and Sadekie Harriott of The Party Vault.

FHC Credit Union CEO Xavier Allen (left) and director of FHC Credit Union and Board Secretary FHC Foundation Nickiesha Walsh (right), congratulate the Entrepreneurship Awards 2025 winners (from second left) Renae McEachron of Breezy Castle Farm; Sadekie Harriott of The Party Vault; and Shane Miller, owner of Stevos Weavos.