In a significant move to bolster national development through education, the Grenadian government has awarded 117 citizens with scholarships totaling EC$41,077,463.19. The prestigious National Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on December 17, 2025, at the Grenada Trade Centre in Morne Rouge, showcased the country’s strategic investment in human capital development.
The scholarship program features a diverse funding structure, with 31 awards fully funded by the Grenadian government alongside substantial contributions from international partners. These include St George’s University (SGU), the Republic of Cuba, the People’s Republic of China, the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth UK. New initiatives such as Pathways, supporting performing arts studies at Jamaica’s Edna Manley School, and the OECS Data for Decision Making program, highlight the expanding educational opportunities.
Education Minister Senator David Andrew emphasized the recipients’ crucial role in national progress, stating, “You are part of the solution our country faces. You are part of the solution that our region faces, that our environment faces, that our societies face.” This sentiment was echoed by Permanent Secretary Elvis Morain, who outlined the government’s deliberate approach to aligning scholarship offerings with national development priorities.
The scholarship recipients will pursue studies across strategically selected fields including geology, environmental engineering, computer science, law, healthcare specialties, and sustainable tourism management. Cuban-sponsored awards focus on medical fields including dentistry and ophthalmology, while Chinese scholarships cover international relations and electronic engineering. OECS scholarships concentrate on development statistics and economic finance.
Morain articulated the government’s targeted approach: “We are going to be more strategic and purposeful in the coming year. We want to be doing not just the good things but the right things.” This philosophy ensures that scholarship investments directly address national workforce needs and prevent unemployment among returning graduates.
Colin Dowe, Associate Dean of Admissions at St George’s University, encouraged recipients to contextualize their education within national development goals from the outset: “This investment is to help to get you educated, to become critical thinkers, to acquire skills that will be applied to our national development.” He emphasized that contribution to Grenada’s progress should begin during academic training rather than waiting until graduation.
The comprehensive scholarship program represents Grenada’s commitment to developing expertise across multiple sectors crucial for sustainable national advancement, ensuring that educational investments yield tangible benefits for both individuals and society.