KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sixty-eight students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), have received scholarships valued $31 million from New Fortress Energy.

Speaking at a handover ceremony, held at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, on February 23, Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, said the company is helping to build the economy through the provision of crucial careers.

“New Fortress clearly shares our vision in increasing access to STEM education,” the minister said, adding that this requires many hours of “diligent study and financial sacrifice”.

At the ceremony, some of the students from the UWI, the University of Technology (UTech) and the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMU), were presented with their scholarships.

“I am delighted to celebrate not only your persistence in achieving your academic goals and attaining the title of a top performer but also the courage that it takes to continue on the path that you have chosen, as the academic journey is not always an easy one,” Willams told the students.

“I hope that the awards will make a significant difference and play a part in meeting your financial needs for the 2022/2023 academic period. I am confident that each student here will leave your mark and make an impact in the local and global space,” Williams said.

The minister argued that the cost of tertiary education and the “constant changes that are taking place on the global landscape” have made it increasingly difficult for many individuals, especially those who are from lower-income background, to pursue tertiary education.

Williams said she is pleased to witness companies such as New Fortress Energy “dedicating their time, effort and funds to ensure that they are playing a part in affording students the opportunity to pursue tertiary education and their career aspirations”.

Meanwhile, Vice President of New Fortress, Verona Carter, stated that over the past six years they have maintained their “steadfast commitment” to help build a “robust and sustainable socio-economic nation, that is globally attractive and competitive”.

She said the scholarships will continue for the “academic and overall growth of our young people”.

For UWI recipient, Shanelle Dale, the support has helped to “ease the pressure” off her mother, and “opened up an opportunity for me to be on campus and be able to focus on my studies”.

Student of the CMU, Saijew Beckford, said the scholarship is a “big investment” that will help to further put Jamaica on the global space with valuable skills.