Ottey and Fairweather, who are studying at the University of the West Indies, are the two recipients of the Desmond 'D.C.' Gascoigne Scholarship.

Ottey, who is reading for a bachelor of education (BEd) with a major in education administration, said, "It came at a time when there was a great need for financial help."

Needed help

He noted that he was a 'family man' and, as such, needed help.

Fairweather, who is reading for a BEd with a major in literacy studies, said, "I am very pleased. It (the scholarship) will help me to be more equipped with effective literacy strategies to improve students' literacy."

She said without the financial help, paying the tuition cost "would have been very difficult", so much so that her studies would have been affected.

Other recipients who copped scholarships were Rowan Dixon and Leonora Rhule-Hemans, who received the 50th anniversary academic scholarship; Demar Sylvester and Damion Andrews.

Give your best shot

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Courtleigh Hotel yesterday, Dr Dorothy Raymond, president of the JTACCUL, implored the awardees to make the most of the scholarships.

"Give it your best shot as too often persons get opportunities and waste them," she said.

She noted that while there were many persons involved in the union's early success, Desmond Gascoigne must be commended, as he was able to recruit almost 1,000 persons in the first year of the credit union.

Raymond said, "Desmond, though involved in a number of committees, was committed to the credit union."