Government pays out near $200,000 to 398 students

“I am disappointed that I am not being called upon to pay out more money today,” said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as he addressed students receiving incentive payments for credible performance in this year’s CXC exams.

The programme rewards students who passed five subjects including English at CXC and two A Level passes plus the General Paper. {{more}}

Dr Gonsalves paid out just under $200,000 to the 398 students who received $500 each.

In a passionate address the Prime Minister admonished them to enjoy themselves but to be disciplined in doing their school work.

He said that the Community college is striving to be a comprehensive educational institution which is linking with St John’s University in New York.

“They want to offer their degree programme here,” Dr Gonsalves said.

He said that they may first start with their associate degree program. This is in addition to the September 2007 introduction of the first year programme of the University of the West Indies’ Social Sciences degree programmes which he says will help cut the cost of tertiary education for some. Next year, students will be required to pass both English and Maths as part of the five CXC subjects to qualify for the incentive payment.

“We are raising the bar,” said Dr Gonsalves.