Victoria Mutual Awards Scholarships & Grants to its Members

Monday, September 15, 2008

We must socialize our children that global opportunities are changing! This was the charge issued by Ruel Reid, Principal, Jamaica College and guest speaker at the Annual Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) Scholarship Awards Presentation Ceremony held recently at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston. While paying tribute to the athletes who participated in the recent Beijing Olympic Games, Mr. Reid noted that many global changes are taking place which will have direct implications for Jamaica. Some of these changes include sports now becoming a profession and the music and creative arts industries demanding high levels of professionalism. Mr. Reid stated that the education system must take on the responsibility of socializing our children to these global changes and also take the lead in seeking to create and build entrepreneurial skills that will be able to exploit the opportunities of globalization.

In his remarks on behalf of Victoria Mutual, Richard K. Powell, President & CEO encouraged the students to remain committed to excellence in their chosen field and to draw inspiration from the athletes who participated in the Olympic Games. In speaking about VMBS’ commitment to education, Mr. Powell noted that there were so many talented Jamaicans who do not have access to the financial resources necessary to fulfill their potential. “Our scholarship programme therefore represents one of our major corporate initiatives geared at providing our student-savers with a “head-start” in their efforts to build secure futures. Our commitment to provide support in the sphere of education is a critical component of our commitment to assist in the development of the communities in which we operate,” Mr. Powell stated.

Over 30 awardees were on hand to receive their scholarship award from VMBS. Several students received 5-year scholarships to complete their high school education; four students received full scholarships to complete studies at local universities. Three teachers completing final year studies at the University of the West Indies were each awarded $100,000 scholarships to assist in covering the cost to complete their programme. Ann-Marie Morrison, a volunteer who does a tremendous amount of work in various inner city communities, received a Special Grant to help her pursue a programme in Social Work. Ms. Morrison also delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the awardees.

While, the awards served as the highlight of the evening, members of the audience were treated to two delightful and memorable performances by 9 year-old Gavin McKenzie a student of Calabar Primary & Junior High. Gavin won Silver and Bronze Medals at the 2008 JCDC Speech Competition.

Since 1985, The Victoria Mutual Building Society has provided in excess of $27 million in scholarships, bursaries and grants to over 1, 500 VMBS student-savers on the VMBS School Savings Pgramme, pursuing various levels and types of education. The VMBS School Savings Programme, VM Save2Grow is designed to encourage and reward saving, by offering incentives throughout the school year, such as Scholarships, Bonus Interest and Gift Certificates to student-savers, their teachers and schools. The primary objective of this programme is to teach young Jamaicans the discipline of learning to save and saving as they grow.

Pictured above:

 1. Gavin McKenzie, Calabar Primary & Junior High performs one of his award-winning pieces at the ceremony.

2.  Richard K. Powell, President & CEO shares a light moment the three recipients of the VMBS Teachers’ Scholarships.

3.Shelly-Ann Henry, Senior Marketing Officer, Corporate Affairs (3rd left), Richard K. Powell, President & CEO, Hugh Reid, SVP & Chief Operating Officer and Vivienne Bayley-Hay, Actg. Head of Group Marketing pose with the recipients of the VMBS GSAT “Head-start” Scholarships after the ceremony.

4. Tamara Richards, (right) VMBS Master Plan “Head-start” Scholarship recipient and Ann-Marie Morrison (2nd right) have the full attention of members of the Victoria Mutual Family at the awards ceremony.

5.Richard K. Powell (left), President & CEO, and Hugh Reid, Senior Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer examine the plaque received by two of the recipients of the VMBS GSAT “ Head-start” Scholarships.