Vaz highlights, awards Portland’s high achievers in PEP
Published:Monday | August 12, 2024 | 12:09 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Buff Bay, Portland
Fifty-three youths from 24 schools are the recipients of the 2024-2025 Special Achievement Award, initiated by government minister Daryl Vaz and aimed at providing financial assistance to needy students who performed well in the recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.
Held last Friday at Lynch Park in Buff Bay, Portland, the awards ceremony saw 24 boys and 29 girls being recognised as the top achievers in PEP in the parish.
“Today, through my Special Achievement Awards programme, we are recognising the hard work of our boys and girls who have excelled in their PEP exams as well as our outstanding educators,” said Vaz, who is also the member of parliament (MP) for West Portland.
“Each top boy and top girl will receive a $15,000 book voucher and full tuition payment for year one of their secondary education. Last year, I acknowledged 21 retired educators. Today, I will also celebrate the contribution of 35 educators who have served or continue to serve our children across the constituency. I know of your struggles and understand you deserve more, but until then, I am doing the little I can to encourage your patriotism,” the MP added.
The educators honoured have served between 16 years and 34 years in the field. Among those receiving special commendation were Sonia Bailey and Lilieth Chase, who have each served for 34 years, along with Icylyn Bailey and Valda Wray for their 31 years of service.
Vaz continued: “For the 2024-2025 academic year, I will assist at least 50 deserving students based on merit and needs with a fortnightly stipend of $5,000. This will cost approximately $5.5 million. The most deserving students and those with the greatest need from last year will be reviewed to continue on the programme. The total sum for my Special Award and Mentorship Programme is over $7.5 million.
Additionally, Vaz pointed out that five students who are struggling to pay their tuition at tertiary institutions were identified and that they would each receive a special grant ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 towards settling their accounts.