9 benefit from Basil Charles Foundation

Nine secondary school students are now the proud recipients of the 2009 Basil Charles Educational Foundation scholarship and bursary awards. The students, from across

St. Vincent, collected their awards on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at Basil’s Bar in Kingstown.{{more}}

Speaking at the brief handing over ceremony, Basil Charles of the Basil Charles Educational Foundation said that the scholarships and bursaries are not just for particularly “bright” students, but are given to persons who need the assistance the most. Charles said that over 50 persons applied for scholarships this year. Five full scholarships were awarded to Heidi Punnett of Georgetown, Luwianne Simmons of Diamond, Elliot Providence of Long Wall, Kingstown, Pericia Andrews of Chester Cottage and Myron Quashie of Byera. Four bursaries were given to Keisha Sutherland of Lowmans, Olonzo Louie of Chateaubelair, Shemarie Barrow of Vermont and David Caine of Biabou.

The full scholarship awardees will receive $600 in their first term of Secondary School, when the expenses are greatest, and $500 in both the second and third terms. Bursary awardees were given $600 to assist with their school expenses. The full scholarship students are planning to attend the St.Vincent Girls’ High School (Heidi Punnett and Luwianne Simmons), Bishop’s College Kingstown (Elliot Prince) St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (Pericia Andrews) and St. Vincent Grammar School (Myron Quashie).

Charles also called upon the parents and guardians of the children to do as much as they could to make sure that the students excel in their academics. Proud mother of full scholarship student Myron Quashie expressed thanks to Charles for selecting Myron who said that he felt “good” when he heard that he was a recipient of the award.

The Basil Charles Educational Foundation, which began in 1995, currently has more than 69 students receiving assistance under the scholarships and bursary awards programme. A total of 120 students have benefited from the scholarship programme to date. The foundation is funded from proceeds from the Mustique Blues Festival, donations and CD sales. (OS)