The Quest for Gratitude Among Scholarship Winners"

Lois Grant

In my extensive involvement with Corporate Jamaica over the years, I had the privilege of introducing numerous scholarship programmes in collaboration with renowned companies, such as Tastee Limited and through Educom Credit Union.

One significant initiative was born through the Tastee Talent contest, where scholarships were offered to the Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts. Interestingly, these scholarships were not exclusively awarded to contest winners. The objective was to identify individuals with a true passion for the arts, even if they didn't meet the institution’s entry criteria. However, it is disheartening to note that despite the generosity of these companies, few recipients have expressed their gratitude or returned to acknowledge the support received.

Expanding beyond Edna Manley, I  got involved in developing scholarships through Tastee to institutions such as the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology (UTEC), and Mico College. These scholarships encompassed diverse fields, ranging from education to healthcare, law and beyond. Despite the incredible opportunities offered, I often wonder whether the many beneficiaries have chosen to utilize their skills and talents in other countries, and have neglected the chance to give back to their homeland, Jamaica.

This raises important questions about the appreciation shown by scholarship recipients and their commitment to building a better Jamaica. While some have ventured abroad and contributed to the economies of other nations, I feel a lack of gratitude and investment by some in their home country leaves a void. It is crucial for scholarship recipients to recognize the significance of giving back and to show appreciation to the companies that supported their educational pursuits.

I would be elated to see or read of some of these recipients returning to express gratitude to the companies providing them with opportunities,  especially those who have pursued careers abroad. I would love to hear where they are now and their successes.  This emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of appreciation and encouraging scholarship recipients to invest in the development of Jamaica, ensuring a brighter future for all. It would also give encouragement to other companies to invest in the education of our young people.

Like Koffee I say… . Gratitude is a must.

Editor's Note:

Ms Lois Grant - JP, MA, BA.(Hons) Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. Lois Grant's involvement in the communications and creative industry began in the newsroom at the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) . She then went on to head the Public Relations unit, at the now-defunct Grimax Advertising. From there, Grant went into partnership with the creation of the Promotions/Production agency.. Innercity Promotions. Innercity was responsible for the creation of the live dance hall series of concerts at the Harbour View and New Kingston Drive-in cinemas... the firsts in the history of entertainment in Jamaica. At the start of the '90s Grant formed her own agency under the banner, Corporate Image Communications and Productions. She stood out as a trailblazer in developing several innovative events as well as programmes for corporate brands such as Tastee Limited, Jamaica National Building Society, City of Kingston Cooperative Credit Union, and various government agencies. Looking back Grant notes that she has played her role in changing the political landscape of three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica. Her last assignment before taking early retirement saw her as the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica from 2007 - early 2013.

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