Ten students have been awarded scholarships and bursaries, compliments the Basil Charles Education Foundation.{{more}}

Five students received full, five-year scholarships, while the other five received one-off bursaries. A short ceremony was held at Basil’s Bar in Kingstown on Thursday, August 4, 2011, to hand over the awards to the students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Basil Charles, founder of the Basil Charles Education Foundation (BCEF), stated that the scholarships and bursaries were awarded to students based on their needs. He added that it was difficult to choose ten persons from an applicants’ list of over 100. He, however, stated that the more information provided by persons on the application form, the better they are able to assess applicants.

Charles congratulated the students, encouraging them to do the best that they could at school, so that they could become better persons. He also urged the parents and guardians of the students to use the money wisely.

Full time scholarships of $1,000, which will be awarded each year of secondary school, went to Tristan Phillips, Dillano Simon, Kayon Johnson and Tara Richardson. Michiela Kaylean Keir also received a special scholarship in honour of Shirley Squire, who was recognized for her community work and dedication to the arts.

Bursary awards went to Deron Hamlet, Paige Francois, Thyra Williams, Kiara Melville and Kareen Dante Lucas.

Shirley Squire, also present during the handing over ceremony, commended Charles for his contribution towards the education of the next generation. She also wished all the children the best in their education.

The BCEF has helped 83 students through its full time scholarship programme and 55 through its bursary programme. Proceeds from the Mustique Blues Festival, along with CD sales and private and corporate donations, help to fund the foundation. Special thanks were extended to Goldman Sachs and sponsors of the 2011 Mustique Blues Festival.