The Oliver Samuels Foundation has marked a significant milestone, formally presenting its first inaugural scholarship to Dante Saunders, a first-year Arts Management student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. 

The scholarship award ceremony was held on Wednesday, January 14, at the Edward Seaga Library and Resource Centre, located on the Edna Manley College campus on Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston 5. Saunders received JMD $300,000 toward his tuition, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to support emerging Caribbean talent within the creative and cultural industries.

The ceremony was hosted by veteran Jamaican comedian and actor, Owen “Blakka” Ellis, who warmly welcomed attendees and set the tone for the afternoon’s celebration. Remarks were delivered by Interim Principal of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Dorrett Campbell, who emphasised the importance of providing meaningful support systems that enable creatives to complete their education. 

She highlighted initiatives such as the Oliver Samuels Foundation as essential to sustaining artistic development. Chairman of the Oliver Samuels Foundation, Jeff Browne, followed with his remarks, urging those who benefit from Jamaicans to invest in the nation’s future. “To companies that benefit from the Jamaican people, to organisations that profit from our talent, our creativity, our labour, partner with us. Help us build Jamaica’s future leaders. Because when we invest in them, we invest in all of us,” Browne lamented.

Supporting Jamaica’s creative talents

Also addressing the audience was the Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Entertainment, Culture, and Special Projects in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Deanroy Bernard. He spoke on the Ministry’s commitment to championing initiatives such as the Oliver Samuels Foundation, which contribute significantly to the educational development of creatives. The ceremony also featured remarks from Oliver Samuels, regarded as the Caribbean’s “King of Comedy,” who reaffirmed the Foundation’s core belief that “every young artiste deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their background.”

Samuels expressed his pride in the Foundation’s work, noting that it serves as a meaningful extension of his legacy and a valuable contribution to Jamaica’s creative arts landscape. The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from Dante Saunders, the scholarship recipient, who expressed sincere gratitude for the support and shared how the award will assist him in continuing his studies and advancing his creative development. 

The ceremony closed with a musical performance by acclaimed Jamaican drummer Calvin Mitchell, who brought the evening to an inspiring and celebratory close. Also in attendance were the founder of Youth for Art and Recreational Development (YARD Empire), Terri Salmon; award-winning writer, Dr Amina Blackwood Meeks; Executive Director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Lenford Salmon; and Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Chairman, Ewan Simpson.

The Oliver Samuels Foundation Scholarship forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education access, arts development, and youth empowerment. By investing directly in students, the Foundation continues to foster talent, resilience, and national development. This scholarship reflects the Foundation’s dedication to tangible action, moving beyond vision to directly invest in the education and growth of young creatives. 

Through this initiative, the Foundation seeks to reduce barriers to access, foster excellence, and nurture the next generation of cultural leaders. Established to provide scholarships, mentorship, and creative development opportunities for students of Caribbean heritage pursuing studies in the arts, media, and related fields, the Oliver Samuels Foundation is rooted in a legacy of laughter, excellence, and service. It leverages Oliver Samuels’ lifelong contribution to Caribbean culture to open doors for emerging talent and support sustainable creative growth across the region.