SVGTCCU scholarship, bursary recipients urged not to waste opportunity

Recipients of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Co-operative Credit Union (SVGTCCU) scholarships and bursaries for 2013 have been advised not to waste the opportunity given to them.{{more}}

Shanika John and Jamarl Alexander received ‘A’Level scholarships, while 14 other individuals received bursaries at a ceremony held on Tuesday, at the credit union’s headquarters at James Street, Kingstown.

John, a resident of Redemption Sharpes and a graduate of the Girls’ High school, obtained 11 passes, with six distinctions, at this year’s Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC).

Calder Ridge resident Alexander graduated from the St Vincent Grammar School with 11 subjects, including seven distinctions.

The 14 bursary recipients are members of the credit union who are pursuing studies at the university level. Vice president of the SVGTCCU Cecil Charles commended the two scholarship awardees on their achievement at the CSEC level.

He, however, encouraged them to continue to strive for further success in their academics.

Charles also spoke of the bursaries and said he hoped the credit union’s contribution will be beneficial to them.

“In the past, we offered scholarships, book vouchers for persons going into secondary school and ‘A’ Level College, but we realize that not only the children of members are studying. Parents are also studying and so we are always seeking ways of giving to our members and so we decided to put a little pool of money together and so a number of you are benefiting from that bursary.

So, whatever little we are giving to you, we are giving, hoping that it would reach somewhere in helping you accomplish your dreams and goals,” he said.

“In life, we always say, give thanks for little things,” he added.

The vice president further noted that by awarding scholarships and bursaries to the credit union’s members, this would help enhance not only the quality of their lives, but also the quality of the union’s membership.

“And if the quality of our membership is improved, then the quality of our citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines is also improved.

“I want to say to you, study hard. You have gone thus far by faith and I know the good Lord will see you on to the end.

“Work hard; the sweet fruits of your energies will soon be achieved,” Charles advised.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the SVGTCCU Julian Jack said the financial institution, which has been in existence for the past 35 years, remains committed to assisting in the development of the nation’s education.

“The Teachers Credit Union, as you would have heard, we’ve been around for a little over 35 years now and during that period, we would have attempted to pay special attention to our members. We would look at their needs as they bring them to us and we will evaluate those needs as they bring them to us and we will develop programmes in which they can benefit and which they have benefited.

“Of course, we cannot say that we can give everybody the same thing every time, but we try to make sure that some things are consistent,” Jack said.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Jamarl Alexander gave the assurance that the financial aid will be “put to good use”.

Alexander, who was also the credit union’s secondary school scholarship holder 2008 – 2013, commended the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Co-operative Credit Union for assisting persons with their academic pursuits.(AA)