Member of Parliament for Portland Western Daryl Vaz awarded over 50 students across his constituency with grants and scholarships at the ‘2022 Daryl Vaz Achievement Awards’ ceremony, held on Wednesday (August 24). 

The awards had their usual recognition of the top girls and top boy from primary schools across the constituency along with new initiatives to provide support for students in need and recognition of retired educators.  

“Through this achievement programme and with the support of our sponsors and partners we continue to provide assistance to all the top performing boys and girls who did the PEP Exams. One boy and one girl were selected from each primary school in the constituency to receive full tuition payment for first year in high school and book vouchers valued at J$15,000,” Vaz stated at the ceremony.

Students will be required to maintain an agreed grade average, display exemplary behaviour and maintain an acceptable attendance record. All the stipulations attached to the scholarships and grants of will be reviewed termly for continuation as part of the programme.

A fortnightly stipend was also established for students who are in need of monetary assistance for the upcoming academic year. This initiative will not be extended to all students but has been reserved for those facing considerable financial needs. Vaz added that more information regarding this programme will be communicated to the recipients by September 2, ahead of the reopening of school.

Three University of the West Indies (UWI) first-year students from the constituency will receive grants in excess of $450,000 towards boarding and tuition fees for their first year of study. They are Marshanelle Miller, Tasheika Cousins and Jonah Chambers and will be pursuing degrees in microbiology, economics and pharmacology respectively. 

The MP also recognized 42 retired teachers for their stellar contributions to education.

Minister Vaz thanked the educators for their dedication to the next generation, highlighting that many of the scholars and academics hailing from Portland had solid foundations as a result of their tutelage. 

Vaz hopes to continue building on the programme citing the success stories of many college students and graduates who have benefitted from the support and have now returned to support the initiative.