Nursing student Ramone Young awarded for leadership, volunteerism
IN tribute to its late founder and chairman R Danny Williams, Sagicor Foundation has introduced a new scholarship award in his memory: the Visionary Award for Leadership and Volunteerism. Ramone Young, a nursing student at the University of Technology, Jamaica was the proud recipient of this inaugural accolade during the 2024 Sagicor Foundation scholarship awards ceremony held on August 20 at Jamaica Pegasus hotel.
“I’m not usually an open or emotional person, so crying about this really means a lot. It shows me that God is always in the picture and that my efforts haven’t gone unnoticed,” Young said. “It feels like Sagicor has been watching all along, and I’m just at a loss for words. I’ve always gravitated toward voluntary service, despite people telling me to focus more on school or myself. But this recognition is exactly why I do it — because I know that younger people, students, and future leaders will look up to me and understand that I wasn’t just doing this for myself. I was doing it to make Jamaica a better place. And what better way to show you care about Jamaica than by volunteering?”
The scholarship criteria stipulates that the recipient must be a Sagicor Foundation tertiary scholarship recipient who excels in multiple areas, demonstrating outstanding leadership within their school, community, or organisational setting. The award particularly honours those who have led initiatives or projects that have made a significant positive impact. Additionally, the recipient must show consistent involvement in volunteer activities, reflecting a deep commitment to serving others and driving meaningful change.
Commenting on the motivation behind introducing the new awards, Christopher Zacca, chairman of the foundation, said Williams was a guiding mentor whose wisdom, leadership, and philanthropic efforts profoundly shaped his own path.
“Our aim in introducing this award in his name is to recognise and support individuals who exemplify the same visionary spirit and commitment to community service,” Zacca said.
Brigette Azan, director, Sagicor Foundation, and daughter of the late Williams, presented Young with the award. She reflected on the full-circle moment for her family, noting, “He’s a wonderful young man — truly remarkable. I spoke with him afterwards, and I know daddy would have been very pleased with a recipient like Ramone. He’s so dedicated to helping others, and among the group I saw, he was undoubtedly the best choice. I believe he’s a first-class selection.”
This year, the Chairman’s Innovation Award was also introduced as a new addition to the programme. It is awarded to a Sagicor Foundation tertiary scholarship recipient who exemplifies creativity and originality by leveraging technology to develop new ideas, processes, or products. The award was presented to Sheneille Gayle, a 2024 Sagicor Foundation scholar. Despite losing her sight at the age of 16, Sheneille is already making waves as a trailblazer in the field of information technology. She launched a successful YouTube channel, Thee Quinn, where she offers tutorials and developed a free transcription app for the blind, deaf, and those with multiple disabilities.