$29m in scholarships for 83 children of police officers

The 83 students, who commenced tertiary studies this academic year, along with 63 returning students were each awarded $200,000 in bursaries. The returning students were qualified for new bursaries based on academic performance.

In delivering the keynote address, permanent secretary, Dianne McIntosh said words can never fully express the nation’s gratitude to the brave men and women of the Jamaican Constabulary Force who endanger their lives to protect citizens.

The scholarships, she said, serve as a symbol of gratitude to our valiant police officers and their families. She pointed out that “despite risks and looming danger, our police officers manage to execute their jobs with pride and honour”.

“We can never compensate for their valiance and umwavering sacrifices and so these scholarships serve as a token of our appreciation,” said the permanent secretary.

Last year, the Ministry of National Security launched an online scholarship web-based application system which saw over 150 children of police officers applying. The system was designed and implemented to reduce paper through online submissions of applications and official documents. The scholarship applications are shortlisted by the ministry’s career development committee based on criteria for eligibility.

“The Ministry of National Security takes pride in this  contribution to nation building and solace in the fact that this gesture will combat brain drain and improve Jamaica’s GDP while moving families towards upward social mobility,” McIntosh said.