< Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson (third right), with second year recipients of the Professor Gordon Shirley Book Scholarship Award (from second left), Sharak Stephenson of Virginia International University; and Duane McLarty and Nicole Adair of Howard University, at a reception held at the Ambassador's residence on October 11. Another recipient, Mary Chambers, is absent. At right is Vice President, Jamaican Nationals Association (JNA), Ian Harvey, and at left, Chairman of JNA Education Committee, Jennifer Asher

Photo provided by: Derrick A. Scott

Four students of Jamaican heritage attending universities within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area in the United States of America (USA), are the recipients of the second Professor Gordon Shirley Book Scholarship Award.

They are Nicole Adair, Mary Chambers and Duane McLarty of Howard University and Sharak Stephenson of Virginia International University. All four awardees achieved a 3.0 grade average and above. Each scholarship is valued at US$500.

The award was created by the Jamaican Nationals Association (JNA), in 2007, in honour of former Jamaican Ambassador to the United States (US), Professor Gordon Shirley, who is now Principal of the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Making the presentation at a reception, held at the residence of Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson, on Saturday (October 11), Vice President of the JNA, Ian Harvey, said the book scholarship is in recognition of Ambassador Shirley's advocacy and commitment to educational development, his outstanding contribution and the keen interest he had shown, in giving support to students of Jamaican heritage in their quest to further their education.

He pointed out that the Association also recognised Ambassador Shirley's outstanding contribution to the Diaspora, hence the naming of this significant scholarship in his honour.

In his address, Ambassador Johnson urged the students to return to their homeland after they have completed their education, to contribute to the country's development.

"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. You can make a difference, Jamaica needs you," the Ambassador said.

Over 150 college and university students and faculty members were in attendance.

The JNA is the premier group representing Jamaicans in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. It was established in 1969, by Jamaican students attending area colleges and universities.

Derrick A. Scott
JIS Washington DC

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