Dominican Republic grants scholarships to Vincentians

The Government of the Dominican Republic, through the Ministry of Superior Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), has granted ten university scholarships to students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines,{{more}} in an initiative that will strengthen the links with the countries of the Caribbean.

The students will pursue their studies at La Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), the oldest university in the hemisphere. The MESCYT is responsible for covering the cost for tuition and accommodation in the Dominican Republic for the students four years of studies.

The scholarships will be provided in the areas of medicine, veterinary medicine, economics, civil engineering and surveying.

On Monday, June 20, 2010, the Minister of Superior Education, Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic, Ligia Amada Melo de Cardona, signed an agreement with the Director of Regional Integration and the Diaspora in the office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Ellsworth I..A. John, in fulfilment of the policy of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to provide free access to universities for Vincentian students.

After the signing in the agreement, Minister Melo de Cardona pointed out that the Ministry of Superior Education will cover all the expenses of study of the students in the Dominican Republic, including matriculation and accommodation, and is committed to support the students during their four years in the Dominican Republic.

“This is a step to fortify unity with the Caribbean, and we have begun with St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Melo de Cardona declared, after explaining that the agreement was coordinated by the Ministry of External Relations, and that the initiative arose following conversations between Sir Louis Straker and Chancellor Carlos Morales Troncoso.

Ambassador John expressed appreciation for the assistance from the Dominican Government, and stated that these scholarships presented an opportunity for bright young Vincentians to pursue their goal of achieving university degrees.

The scholarship students are currently in the process of learning Spanish and will come to Santo Domingo two months before the next semester to enter a Spanish program offered by the UASD through the School of Languages.

“It is the policy of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to have our students study in countries with whom we have excellent relations. It presents an opportunity to learn and understand the different cultures that surround us. The students on their return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be advocates for building the cultural bonds between our countries.” said John.

Also under discussion is a proposal for Dominican students to come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to learn English. Both countries are interested in working to make this a reality.

Following the signing, Ambassador John was invited to attend a new form of virtual education being presented in the Dominican Republic called Virtual Educa. This form of education will allow students to receive classes online from universities throughout the world. During the inauguration, Ambassador John held discussions with Dr. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic and Ing. Carlos Morales Troncoso, Minister of Foreign of the Dominican Republic. John also held conversations with several university Deans of the Dominican Republic who expressed an interest in receiving students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.