Dr Tomlin Paul, deputy principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus, is hailing the annual CB Group UWI 5K Scholarship Run as “much more than a race.”

Speaking at Monday’s (September 22) launch event at the UWI Regional Headquarters in St Andrew to mark its 14th staging, Paul praised the run as a movement of compassion that plays a critical role in strengthening the ecosystem that supports student success.

“Research shows that when students receive the support they need, they demonstrate greater enthusiasm, engagement, career readiness, and mental stability,” said Paul.

He emphasised that financial aid allows students to focus on their education, instead of worrying about how to afford tuition and other costs.

“This event isn’t just about charity—it’s an investment in nation-building and in the future leaders of Jamaica,” Paul continued. “Every step taken during the run is part of a larger journey to ensure that each student can, will, and must succeed.”

Paul thanked sponsors, patrons, and supporters who have sustained the initiative, and revealed that over 300 students have received scholarships through the CB Group UWI 5K since its inception. Many of these students are first-generation university attendees, marking a transformative moment for their families and communities.

This year, 20 new scholarship recipients were formally recognised and presented with certificates marking the continuation of their academic journey. Their areas of study include banking & finance, economics, marketing, international relations, kinetics, computer science, mathematics, sociology, law, and physical Therapy, among others.

Joelle Fontaine, corporate marketing manager at CB Group, the lead sponsors for the event, reiterated the company’s commitment to education and national development.

“We are proud to support this cause and to invest in our nation’s future leaders. I also want to thank our fellow sponsors who continue to believe in this mission. It truly takes a village,” she said.

Thalia Lyn, Island Grill founder and co-patron of the 5K run, shared her personal story of scholarship support and encouraged recipients to pay it forward.

“My siblings and I were also beneficiaries of scholarships. That inspired my lifelong commitment to helping others rise. Make the most of this opportunity—you are our future leaders and we are depending on you,” she urged.

‘Scholarship changed my life’: Student testimony

Thrion Mitchell, a second-year double major student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the awardees. He shared his powerful journey from personal hardship to academic excellence.

“This scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s a lifeline. It gave me a second chance,” Thrion shared.

He recounted dropping out of school and being distracted by the superficial pull of social media, while his peers advanced. Becoming a father in 2021 marked a turning point.

“When my son’s mother migrated with him for a better life, I was devastated. I experienced one of the darkest periods of my life, even becoming homeless and squatting on campus,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Thrion fought to reclaim his academic path and achieved a 4.0 GPA over two semesters—until financial instability once again threatened his progress.

“Thanks to the CB Group UWI 5K Scholarship, I can now continue my education with renewed focus and hope,” he concluded.

Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Wilkinson, host for the launch and herself a multi-scholarship donor, said the event was one that she held dear to her heart, and felt that the need for finances should not block the dreams for the students’ tertiary education.

Donning her CB Group UWI 5K T-Shirt, she announced that the event would be a part-celebration for the birthday of race director, Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis – and displayed the back imprinted with the words – ‘Frano’s 70th lap’.  This was also worn by the scholarship awardees.  

“There is no other place that I would rather celebrate my milestone birthday with my own family as well as my race family,” Frano said.  

The CB Group UWI 5K will take place on November 23, starting at 6:30 am.

Participants—walkers, runners, and wheelchair users—will navigate a course around the UWI Mona campus. The highlight for many remains the 1K Kids K, featuring future university hopefuls running with joy and determination