Scholarship fund launched in memory of ‘Timmy’ Richards

Students wishing to pursue higher education now have an additional potential source of funding available to them, following the launch of the Bertram ‘Timmy’ Richards Memorial Scholarship Fund.{{more}}

The scholarship fund was launched last Thursday, at the former site of the Intermediate High School (IHS) on Sharpe Street.

Six persons will this year be chosen to receive bursaries to assist with their studies at university or the SVG Community College (Division of Technical and Vocational Education and Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies).

The scholarship fund was established to pay tribute to Bertram ‘Timmy’ Richards, one of the “founding fathers” of the IHS.

Chief Education Officer Lou-Ann Gilchrist expressed congratulations and gratitude to the board of the IHS for its “insight and devotion” in setting up the fund, which ultimately honours a “pioneer in education”.

“We must lay solid foundations upon which future generations will build,” she insisted. “We must clear the path for them to advance socially and academically.”

IHS board member Selwyn Da Silva, in welcome remarks, described Richards as a “man whose life was always focused on education.

“The school grew and flourished under the dedicated tutorship of Bertram Richards,” said Da Silva. “His leadership provided both inspiration and opportunities to … students…[and] also the many persons who would frequently visit him in search of help.”

According to chairperson of the IHS Board Hermia Scott, the initial plan was to redevelop the school’s old site into an educational resource centre.

Scott said that despite that plan being put on hold for the time being, the board decided it would re-direct the $40,000 in funds that was raised for redevelopment into a scholarship fund.

“We can’t build the institute right now … but ‘Timmy’ invested in lives … so that’s what we are going to do with this money,” she said.

Present students, past students and children of past students of the IHS are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Application forms are available from the office of Caribbean Intellectual Law Firm (located in the Marcole Plaza) and at the IHS at McKies Hill.

Application forms must be submitted with proof of qualifications, two recent testimonials and transcripts to: Board of Governors, Betram ‘Timmy’ Richards Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 951, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 7. Call (784) 456-1523 for more information.

Alinda Hypolite, principal at the IHS also gave brief remarks.(JV)