Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

KATRIN CASSERLEY, the head of the Hanover Charities, has said her organisation remains upbeat and positive about its objective of assisting and empowering people and organisations, despite the contraction of the global and local markets.

Speaking against the background of a handover ceremony at the Round Hill Hotel in Hanover recently, where J$13 million in scholarships and monetary gifts was given out to more than 60 individuals and organisations, Casserley said recipients should help to keep the organisation viable.

"We have a lot more to achieve as the Hanover Charities, but the continued development of your communities is most admirable and needed," said Casserley.

She added: "I must remind you that accountability and credibility are important to any organisation, so I invite you to complete your grant reports and return them to us early."

Casserley also implored scholarship recipients to return to Hanover and continue to contribute so that other persons can get a chance to benefit from the organisation's work.

55 YEARS OF HELPING

In reflection on the Hanover Charities' rich history of generosity, Casserley said the 55-year-old organisation had donated more than $100 million in scholarships and grants in the last decade because of the tireless efforts of its board members and the altruism of Round Hill and Tryall hotels.

This year's main beneficiary was the Hanover Ministers Fraternal, which received $1.5 million for the operation of the Lucea-based Cecile Clare Kitchen of Love, which feeds more than 600 persons weekly.

Kadeisha Isaacs, a media and communications student at the University of the West Indies and one of the recipients of the Morris/ Watkins Memorial Scholarship, said she was happy to be a recipient as the scholarship was much needed.

"This scholarship will greatly assist me in these harsh economic times," said Isaacs. "It will really go a far way in funding my tuition, which is very costly. So it will really help me and I am appreciative of it."

For O'Shane Hall, who is pursuing a degree in land economy and valuation surveying at the University of Technology, the scholarship was a blessing.

"It will help me to offset my tuition costs, especially at a time when it seems like there was not going to be a way forward. I truly thank the Hanover Charities for this."

Among the other recipients of grants was James' Wood Craft Centre, which operates an apprenticeship programme for young men.

barrington.flemming@gleanerjm.com