Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

5 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica T he Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP on October 20, 2020 donated J$2.5 M to the University to assist students with greatest financial need. The Prime Minister presented acting University President, Professor Colin Gyles with two cheques – one for $1.5 M from the JLP Education Fund and the other for $1 million to the Institution from the Prime Minister’s Positive Jamaica Foundation. Noting that there is always a great correlation between income, access and performance, which may result in scholarships sometimes being awarded to persons who may not necessarily have a need, the Prime Minister noted that “what we try to do to balance that scale is to offer these scholarships to the universities. So instead of the Jamaica Labour Party going to select who is in need; it would be better that this is done by the universities who could adjudge that, without any form of political consideration,” the Prime Minister said. The scholarship to the University of Technology, Jamaica is being offered for the second consecutive year by the Jamaica Labour Party Education Fund and the Positive Jamaica Foundation. In handing over the cheques, the Prime Minister said that “I am very pleased that I can for the second year running, offer the support to our students who are in need. The terms that applied last year will apply this year; same range between $100,000 to $150,000 to students who are definitely in need, and if you find it possible to support devices and Internet connectivity we certainly support it.” The Prime Minister also noted that the University may opt to use the funds to provide smaller grants to assist with data plans for students. Professor Colin Gyles in expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for the generous donation, noted that the University continues to be mindful of the financial challenges faced by students and continues to seek ways of providing assistance through scholarships and grants, many of which are funded by the private sector. “Despite this assistance, many of our students still find it very difficult and so we are grateful for the kind assistance offered to our students,” he said. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left) Prime Minister presents symbolic cheques to Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, for $1M and $1.5 M from the Prime Minister’s Positive Jamaica Foundation and the Jamaica Labour Party Education Fund respectively. The scholarship presentation in support of students with greatest financial need was made at the University’s Papine Campus on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Prime Minister’s Foundation Donates to Students in Need The Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) Prime Minister, shares in a group photo with (from left) Mrs. Mercedes Deane, University Registrar, Mr Khalil Hutchinson, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union, Professor Colin Gyles, President (Acting) and Mrs Maxine Gordon, Acting Chief Business and Finance Officer.