Four students of Jamaican Heritage attending Universities within the Washington Metropolitan Area were the recipients of the first former Jamaican Ambassador to the United States “Dr. Gordon Shirley Book Scholarship” award. The scholarships were awarded by the Jamaican Nationals Association at its annual student reception and book scholarship award on Saturday, October 13th, at the Emory Recreation Center, Washington DC.

The book scholarship which is value at $500 US each was presented to Jodian Chamber of Georgetown University, Onika Marsh of Montgomery College, Roxann Wellington of Montgomery College and Amoy Williams of the University of DC.

In making the presentation, the President of the Jamaican Nationals Association, Moreen Wallace, said the book scholarships were awarded in recognition of Ambassador Gordon Shirley’s advocacy and commitment for educational development and his outstanding contribution and keen interest he played in giving support to students of Jamaican Heritage in their quest for furthering their education.

The JNA President pointed out that her association also recognized Ambassador Gordon Shirley’s outstanding contribution to the Diaspora, hence the naming of this significant scholarship in his honor.

In the delivering the keynote address, Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Mr. Patrick Robinson, told the awardees that “ you are from a country of which you can justifiable be proud. Notwithstanding the difficulties facing Jamaica, there is more to celebrate than to lament about our country. Yes, our problems are many, but our potential is limitless. By potential, I mean our potential for good, for greatness. And you, the awardees are all a splendid example of that potential.” he said.

He reminded the audience that they are from a country of rich heritage and culture. “You are from a small State, but one which is big in its profile on the world stage, big in the international status it has achieved in literature, science, music, law, sports, especially athletics, and so many other areas”.

Judge Robinson urged the students to return to their homeland and to give of their expertise. “Jamaica is not unique in suffering from the phenomenon described as a brain drain. Jamaica has contributed to the education and training of hundreds, if not thousands of skilled personnel in medicine, nursing, law, engineering, dentistry, accountancy and many other areas, only to lose their services to other countries”.

The brain drain, Mr. Robinson said, is particularly severe on developing countries. One consequence of the brain drain in Jamaica is that there is at time a shortage in Jamaica of qualified personnel, resulting in a need to spend foreign exchange for foreign consultants”.

In her remarks, Mrs. Sharon Miller, Charge de’Affaires, Embassy of Jamaica commended the Jamaican National Association for launching the Gordon Shirley book scholarship award. She pointed out that the award name named in honor of Ambassador Shirley was appropriate as he is stellar educator.

Mrs. Miller pointed out that the development of Jamaica is contingent on the human resources and so we are happy to have Jamaican students studying in the United States and encourage them to return to their homeland to give of your expertise.

Jamaican Nationals Association (JNA) was established in 1968, by students of Howard University, Former Minister of Foreign affairs and trade, Senator KD Knight and former Minister of Health, John Junior. JNA’s mission continues to emphasize education and assistance to students.

By: Derrick Scott
JIS Washington DC

Back to News