Noranda Bauxite’s vice president and general manager Delroy Dell has commended schools and other educational institutions in Noranda’s operating area on maintaining high educational standards across the parish of St. Ann.
Mr Dell was speaking at a ceremony held at Noranda on Thursday August 17, where 76 primary and all age school students were presented with educational grants by the company for emerging as the top GSAT students at their schools this year.
The Awards of Merit worth $25,000 each will assist with entrance costs into the secondary school system.
The general manager congratulated the students on behalf of Noranda employees, saying that “this Awards programme is an example of the value that Noranda places on investment in our youth and our country.”
The two most outstanding students Fitzroy Henry of Brown’s Town Primary and Attalia Forbes of Glen Prep, were presented with laptops by the company.
In listing other areas of interest in education, he pointed out that Noranda would be presenting grants and scholarships at a later date to an additional 40 students who will be entering tertiary level institutions, at an average contribution of $40,000 each.
Noranda has also set up an Education Trust Fund that provides assistance to children of its employees at all levels of their education.
The company has also conducted a summer holiday job programme for 40 students who are working at the mining company on a four-week rotation basis.
Mr Dell reminded also that the company has donated six greenhouses to schools in the company’s operating area, and will be conducting a greenhouse competition for the participating students at Brown’s Town High, York Castle, Aboukir, Abutthnott Gallimore High, St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf, and others to be named.
The function was well attended by students, parents, teachers and representatives of the Ministry of Education.
Guest speaker was Dr. Coleridge Minto, director of Security and Safety in the Education Ministry.
