BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, 9th October 2019 — In its 36th year, eleven (11) students were inducted into the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship on Tuesday 8th October 2019 in a ceremony held at the Social Security Headquarters in Basseterre.
The scholarship program will benefit the following students from first to fifth form and onto local colleges upon acceptance.
Jahzieon Gift – Basseterre High School
Terrencia Wiggins – Cayon High School
Ayana Meade – Charlestown Secondary School
T’ Quan Jules – Charles E. Mills High School
Aaliyah Elliott – Gingerland Secondary School
Alisha Jalim – Saddlers Secondary School
Shaniqua Davis – Verchilds High School
Tideja Liburd – Washington Archibald High School
Jadea Williams – Charles E. Mills High School (one‐time assistance)
C’Quinya Dasent – Charles E. Mills High School (one‐time assistance)
Nyahla Maccabee – Saddlers Secondary School (one‐time assistance)
Ms. Jacqueline Brookes, Board Member, Mentor and Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, delivered the Welcome Remarks. In her remarks, Ms. Brookes admonished the new students to remain focused, make the right decisions and shine like they have
never shun before. Ms Brookes also proudly announced the results of CSEC passes and
congratulated the students and parents for their efforts and continued commitment towards education. She made special mention of recent CFBC Graduate, Ms. Ryana Powell who has recently launched her own cosmetic line, lauding her leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Social Security’s Director, Mr. Antonio Maynard, in his remarks, expressed his satisfaction with the offerings of the Scholarship Program, citing its Mentorship
component as the pinnacle for developing fully rounded young minds and shaping future leaders. The Director took the opportunity to thank the Scholarship Committee, the Mentors and entire support staff for their involvement with the student and management of the scholarship program. Mr. Maynard implored the Board, to extend the scholarship’s offerings further to provide grants that are specifically targeted to attract interest in such areas in the field of medicine and nursing. This investment in education, he expressed will contribute even further to the sustainability of the Fund.
Following the Director’s remarks, Senior Minister and Minister of Social Security et al, the Hon. Vance Amory addressed the gathering. Hon Amory re‐emphasized the Board’s expectation for the students to remain diligent in learning, commit to making the right decisions and exercise a willingness to be disciplined in their areas of study. The Honorable Minister expressed profound commendation to Ms. Susanna Lee, after whom the Scholarship is named for her steady involvement over the span of the award’s existence.
During the ceremony, alums Mr. Lufkin Foster and Ms. Jackie Peets delivered remarks on the impact of the Social Security Scholarship on theirlives. In addition to the monetary assistance, the former recipients spoke of the visits to their schools by their respective
mentors, workshops and social events organized by the Board for the scholars’ holistic development.
New inductee, Ms. Alisha Jalim of the Saddlers Secondary School, in her expression of appreciation thanked the Social Security Board for its active role and promise to support her educational journey. The young scholar spoke of the hardships previously
experienced and how this support would help her achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a teacher.
Certificates of Induction to the new awardees were presented by Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, Ms. Jacqueline Brookes while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. William Hodge, presented certificates to the alumni who have
recently completed High School.
A symbolic signing of the Commitment Agreement was completed by the parents/guardians of the awardees thereby committing to support their child/ward’s learning.
The program was ably chaired by Social Security Legal Officer, Mr. Leon Charles. The Invocation was delivered by the Acting Manager of the MIS Department, Mr. Abendigo Rogers while the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Administrative Assistant, Ms. Shiwani Gumbs.
Since 1983, the Social Security Board has offered High School Scholarships to students with great potential and whom without the necessary support may not achieve their educational goals. The Alumni now stands at 212 with Social’s Security direct investment amounting to over $2.2 million towards the education of our youths.
Congratulations to our High School Scholars for recording the following CSEC passes:
Zwena Jones – Gingerland Secondary School 14 subjects, 6 distinctions
Jakie Peets – Verchilds High School 12 subjects, 5 distinctions
Breandra Liburd – Charlestown Secondary School
11 subjects, 4 distinctions
Tyrique Harris – Saddlers Secondary School 10 subjects, 4 distinctions
Shanice Buchanan – Charles E. Mills Secondary School 10 subjects, 3 distinctions
Aamira Williams – Washington Archibald High School 9 subjects, 4 distinctions
Joel Springer – Cayon High School 9 subjects, 2 distinctions
Glenesha Hobson – Basseterre High School 9 subjects, 2 distinctions
