St Mary Education Trust awards $3M in scholarships

The St Mary Education Trust (SMET) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s brightest young minds by awarding over J$3 million in scholarships and bursaries to 10 exceptional tertiary students from across the island.

A a media release outlined that the scholarships are offered through the Sydney A. Phillips Scholarships Trust – which is funded by family and friends of Sydney Phillips as well as past scholars, Jamaica Producers

Group and other donors – and the Jamaica Producers Group’s Ernest Johnston Memorial

Bursary. The awards are made to students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic achievement and a strong personal drive to succeed. Sydney A. Phillips Scholarships (SAPS) and Bursaries are reserved for students originating from St Mary and provide annual support of J$300,000 for the full duration of an undergraduate degree, contingent upon sustained academic performance.

The Ernest Johnston Memorial Bursary similarly offers J$300,000 per year to a Jamaican student pursuing studies in agriculture, shipping, manufacturing or business-related fields, with renewal possible for up to three years.

Since its inception, the Ernest Johnston Memorial Bursary has committed over J$7 million to youth development through education. This year’s Ernest Johnston Memorial Bursary was awarded to Nevena Jones, a second-year logistics and supply chain management student at the Caribbean Maritime University.

Continuing recipients are Hope Bagwandeen and Jada-Lee Lindsay, both pursuing plant sciences at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.

The Sydney A. Phillips Scholarships and Bursaries, which has committed over J$27 million since inception, recognised an equally distinguished group. New scholars include Crystal Bailey, completing her nursing degree at Northern Caribbean University, Gabrielle Bassan, studying pharmacy at the University of the West Indies, Shawn Palmer, pursuing integrated marketing at UWI, and Sherrideen Stewart, working toward an education degree at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. New bursary recipients are Sanola Hinds, a nursing student at Brown’s Town Community College, and Johnae Simmonds, studying business administration at Northern Caribbean University. Continuing scholarship recipient Jeneva Thompson, also at Brown’s Town Community College, is advancing in her nursing studies.

Expressing gratitude for the support, 25-year-old St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College Student and

Robin’s Bay native, Sherrideen Stewart, shared, “I am deeply grateful and honestly overwhelmed to be the first in my family to reach this milestone. Coming from a small community like Robin’s Bay, opportunities like this are not always within reach, and so this scholarship means the world to me. It lifts a huge financial burden and gives me the chance to fully focus on my studies.”

She added, “I want to sincerely thank the St Mary Educational Trust.

Your generosity is not just helping me achieve my dream of becoming a teacher, but it is also planting seeds of hope and inspiration in my community. For that, I am beyond grateful.”

BUILDING CAPACITY

Speaking at the presentation ceremony recently, Lisa McGregor-Johnston, chair of SMET and head of corporate services at the Jamaica Producers Group Ltd, said the programme is an important investment in the nation’s long-term development. “The SMET scholarship programme is a vital part of our vision for a stronger Jamaica. By helping young people access quality education, we are building capacity for leadership, innovation, and economic growth. Each student we support has the potential to make a lasting impact on the nation, and we are proud to assist them on their journey.”

Elizabeth Phillips, chair of the Sydney A. Phillips Trust and director of SMET, reflected on the programme’s 32-year history and its longterm impact. She said, “When we began this journey, we were motivated by the belief that education can transform lives and communities.

Over the years we have seen students excel academically, build careers, and contribute to

Jamaica’s progress. More than J$29 million has been invested since inception, and each award is a seed planted in the future of our country. We are building a legacy that strengthens our economy and empowers our people.”

Dr Patrick Roberts, consultant surgical oncologist and past SAPS recipient and this year’s guest speaker, encouraged the awardees to embrace their role in Jamaica’s development. “Receiving this scholarship is a great responsibility for anyone who is given the opportunity – one I encourage you all to take pride in. I never would have imagined that I would be standing here speaking to you when I too was a recipient 30 years ago.” He continued, “To all the scholars here, I advise you to stay committed, give back to your various communities in St Mary, and to Jamaica at large, and make great use of the opportunities presented to you on your academic journey.”