Forty-eight individuals who have been afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning at St. George’s University (SGU) under a Government scholarship programme have been told to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of “3.0 or higher” in order to sustain their scholarships.
Minister Boatswain – presenting a scholarship to one of the recipients
The warning came from Education Minister Anthony Boatswain, who disclosed last week Friday plans to take to Cabinet a recommendation to the effect that if awardees allow their GPA grade to fall below 3.0 they will “forfeit” their scholarships.
Minister Boatswain was at the time addressing awardees at the fourth scholarship award ceremony of government and the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and the Environment held at the Public Workers Union building at Tanteen, St. George.
“We expect you to maintain a good GPA,” Minister Boatswain told the awardees who are pursuing undergraduate and Master studies at SGU.
“As of now we have a benchmark of 3.0 to qualify for a scholarship…if you want to maintain that scholarship you have to ensure that your GPA does not fall below 3.0,” he said.
According to the senior government minister a submission to this effect will shortly be taken to Cabinet for consideration.
“As a matter of fact very soon I will be taking to Cabinet a recommendation that for anyone who receives a scholarship, if you allow your GPA to fall below 3.0 you will forfeit that scholarship…you have to maintain a high standard because the University would be judged according to the quality of its graduates as well”, he said.
Marcelle Strachan-Mitchell (left) along with Chairperson of the selection committee, Ann David-Antoine (right)
“You have to continue to work hard if you want to maintain your scholarship,” he added.
The Ministry of Education has announced that a total of 624 scholarships were awarded to locals within the last three years valued at approximately EC$120M.
Minister Boatswain pointed out that this is a heavy investment that should not be taken lightly, adding that “investment in education is the only investment that can guarantee positive returns”.
“The type of country that we will inherit tomorrow will depend heavily on the quality and the relevance of education that we receive today,” he said.
The Education Minister also reminded the awardees of their obligation to serve the country following the completion of their studies.
The scholarship award ceremony was also attended by Minister of State for Human Resource Development and The Environment, Senator Simon Stiell, as well as Chairperson of the selection committee, Ann David-Antoine and SGU’s Marcelle Strachan-Mitchell of the Recruitment, Enrollment and Planning Department who assisted in the distribution of awards.
