Minister Walwyn wants more funding for Emerging Fellow Award 2013
This was highlighted by Hon. Walwyn earlier today, April 11, 2013 in the conference room of the Office of the Premier where the application for this year's award was officially declared open and prospective young beneficiaries were able to access application forms on the spot.
"I will be requesting of our Minister of Finance additional funds as we build the award each year," said Hon. Walwyn.
Hon. Walwyn also noted that since there are only six awards allotted for this year, he anticipates that the process will be highly competitive. "I am learning from the President of the Volley Ball Association [Sabinah Clement] that there is a young lady, Shoronda Pickering, that might be able to benefit from a university summer programme to help develop her talent. We also have students at our secondary school with a deep interest in science and technology." He said that if there is a science and innovation camp in Europe or China, students from this Territory should have the opportunity to participate and refine their ideas.
"The process for application will be competitive as we are creating a culture of excellence in our education system. We encourage healthy competition among our young people. It is another way to prepare them for the realities of life," said Hon. Walwyn.
To be named an Emerging Fellow the individual must show exceptional promise in their field with talent not being enough. "We want this investment to be used to help us prepare the future leaders of our beautiful Virgin Islands, to lead with purpose, vision and a spirit of excellence."
The awards have already seen its impact on the first two fellows who would have benefited from the programme, Lakeisha 'Mimi' Warner and J'maal Alexender, when the award was first announced in 2012. They were afforded the opportunity to attend the 2012 Olympic games.
The Emerging Fellow Award is the brainchild of Hon. Walwyn and is intended to help youths develop and become young professionals in the Virgin Islands.
It provides young scholars, junior athletes, and artists the opportunity to travel and participate in training and other activities to enhance their potentials to excel in their chosen fields.
"Yesterday evening as I thought about the Virgin Islands Emerging Fellow Award and what it means for our youth, our Territory and this economy, I said to myself plant a seed, water it and watch it grow or better yet, plant the seed of the tree you want today, to guarantee yourself the fruit of your desire tomorrow. And, this is what this press conference represents today, my Government’s commitment towards the development of our future generation of leaders," said Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith at the opening of the application ceremony.
Hon. Smith said Government is setting the stage and creating opportunities for its people today, so that there can be a better Virgin Islands tomorrow.
He emphasized, "My Government continues to place a significant proportion of the financial resources in Education, approximately 18.71 percent of the 2013 budget. This is because we know and we understand that an educated population equals a progressive economy. When people are educated, they create, they design, they excel, they grow, they make calculated decisions, and most of all, they innovate."
The first two beneficiaries of the awards were present at the ceremony and young Ms Warner spoke of what the programme has done for her and her commitment to personal development and that of the Virgin Islands. She said that though she finds it difficult focusing on her academic pursuits and sports, the support network around her has been a great success factor.
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
21 Responses to “Minister Walwyn wants more funding for Emerging Fellow Award 2013”