Seventeen G-SAT and Tertiary level students have been awarded scholarships, bursaries and book grants by First Regional Co-operative Credit Union for the school year, beginning this September.

The 2013 scholarship allocation totals $3-million and represents a 71% increase over the amount earmarked last year to support First Regional's Education programme. The number of tertiary level bursaries has also been increased from four to five.

Addressing a ceremony to present the prizes, Board Member, Rev. Dr. Glenroy Lalor said the Credit Union's decision to increase its Education funding and tertiary level bursaries reflects its widened focus beyond St. Mary and St. Ann, to embrace tourism workers and their children island-wide.

The five tertiary level undergraduates have each received a bursary valued at $200,000. This will allow them to pursue studies in

Veterinary Medicine, Science, Medicine, and Computer Studies at universities throughout the island.

At the G-SAT Level, five students were awarded scholarships, valued at $30-thousand annually, for the first five years of their high school education.

The 2013 scholarship recipients are: Liana Smith who received the Leyland Walker Scholarship;

Kenrick Henry, who received the Herbert Ming Scholarship; Mark Graham, who was awarded the First Regional Scholarship; Wonica Francis who received the Reynold Smith Scholarship and Shaloam Gardner, recipient of the First Regional (Hospitality) Scholarship.

They will join other First Regional G-SAT students who are already at various stages of their five-year high school programme. Seven students received book grants.

Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Garnett Roper challenged the students and university under-graduates to identify their goals and remain focused, until they are accomplished.

For the past 13 years, First Regional has provided educational opportunities to G-SAT and Tertiary level students, as part of its commitment to giving back to the community in which it operates and conducts business.