Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts student, Dante Saunders, is this year’s recipient of the inaugural Oliver Samuels Foundation Scholarship.

The foundation will host the official handover ceremony on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Edna Manley College, Edward Seaga Resource Centre in Kingston, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to support emerging Caribbean talent in the creative and cultural industries.

The ceremony will be hosted by veteran Jamaican comedian and actor Owen “Blakka” Ellis and will feature distinguished figures from the creative industries and supporters of the arts, as well as remarks from Oliver Samuels, Founder of the Oliver Samuels Foundation, alongside members of the Foundation and invited dignitaries. 

Speaking on the significance of the award, Samuels shared: “This Foundation is about creating opportunities for the next generation of Caribbean storytellers, dreamers, and artists. That’s what this scholarship means to me.”

The scholarship reflects the foundation’s commitment to tangible action, moving beyond vision to directly invest in the education and development of young creatives. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to reduce barriers to access, foster excellence, and nurture the next generation of cultural leaders.

The foundation was established to provide scholarships, mentorship, and creative development opportunities for students of Caribbean heritage pursuing studies in the arts, media, and related fields. Rooted in a legacy of laughter, excellence, and service, the Foundation leverages Oliver Samuels’ lifelong contribution to Caribbean culture to open doors for emerging talent and support sustainable creative growth across the region.