GECCU awards scholarships and bursaries to 166 students

The General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has this year awarded 15 full scholarships and 151 bursaries to children who are starting their secondary education in September. A rainy Tuesday, August 13, 2024 did not dampen the interest or enthusiasm of the 166 students, their parents and guardians who packed the Methodist Church Hall for the 60 year old credit union’s 22nd annual scholarship awards. The payout, amounting to close to $200,000 was received by students who were successful in the 2024 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).

“We are distributing 15 full scholarships and 151 cash bursaries, valued in excess of $190,000,” GECCU’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julian Jocelyn announced as he provided an overview of the scholarship and bursary programme.

He said the institution has so far awarded 361 scholarship since the inception of the programme in 1981. The credit union currently funds 101 scholarship holders who are in secondary schools, and since 2014, 48 university bursaries amounting to $178,000 have been awarded to members.

“Over the period 2015 to 2024, we awarded cash bursaries with a value in excess of $200,000. Over the last five years, we have collectively awarded scholarships and bursaries close to one million,” Jocelyn said.

Chair of GECCU’s scholarship committee, Benisa Roberts congratulated the recipients on their achievements, explaining that while the credit union has been awarding scholarships since 1981, this was their 22nd year having a formal awards ceremony.

She also commended the parents and guardians for their crucial role in supporting their children’s success. Roberts also encouraged the students, noting that GECCU’s scholars are among the top young people in the nation.

“If you have been following the trend over the years…the GECCU scholars are generally the creme de la creme- at the very, very top. You would also recognise that getting one of these scholarships does not just end here. We are not just interested in giving you financial help, but you will notice that over the years, we’re going to support you emotionally and in a lot of different ways,” Roberts noted.

Additionally, in his remarks, Jocelyn mentioned GECCU’s youth symposia that focus on building well-rounded individuals. He also shared information about the financial institution’s work programme which offers scholarship holders valuable work experience.

GECCU President, Michael Sayers in a message to those present, urged the students to pursue their dreams with determination and faith. Sayers reminded the scholars that with hard work and GECCU’s continued support, they can achieve their goals, despite any naysayers.

Also present at the 22nd annual GECCU scholarship awards ceremony were members of the staff, and past scholarship recipients.

The event also heard remarks from the Chief Education Officer, Kay Martin-Jack, and a motivational speech from Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett, a 1997 GECCU scholar.

Throughout the ceremony, the speakers emphasised GECCU’s role in supporting young people’s educational and personal growth in St Vincent and the Grenadines, with the ultimate goal of contributing to nation-building.