KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark event for Jamaica’s cultural education, 18-year-old Dante Saunders has become the inaugural recipient of the Oliver Samuels Foundation scholarship. The ceremony, held at the prestigious Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts on January 14, marked a significant milestone in supporting emerging artistic talent from underserved communities.
Saunders, an Arts Management student from Kingston’s inner city, credits community organization YARD Empire for transforming his educational trajectory. ‘My journey began when I attended musical classes offered by YARD Empire,’ Saunders revealed during his acceptance speech. ‘It became both an escape and an opportunity to transcend my environment while connecting with diverse individuals.’
The young scholar specifically acknowledged mentor Terri Salmon (‘Aunty Terri’) for her persistent encouragement. ‘She consistently reinforced that higher education was accessible to me, even when completing high school seemed unimaginable,’ Saunders recounted.
Beyond academic support, YARD Empire’s mentorship program provided performance opportunities that exposed Saunders to various arts careers and professional pathways. This comprehensive support system ultimately enabled his transition to formal arts education.
Representing Minister of Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, Permanent Secretary Deanroy Bernard praised the foundation’s vision. ‘This initiative demonstrates commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s next generation of cultural leaders and strengthening our creative future,’ Bernard stated. He emphasized that the scholarship represents more than financial support—it constitutes ‘a national declaration that arts education matters and young creatives deserve investment.’
Foundation namesake Oliver Samuels expressed profound satisfaction with the rapid impact of the initiative, launched merely months earlier in November 2025 with Chairman Jeff Browne. ‘This foundation embodies my dedication to giving back to Jamaica,’ Samuels declared. ‘We plan to award four annual scholarships, recognizing the arts as vital for national progress.’
The foundation’s primary mission remains dismantling financial barriers to arts education, ensuring artistic careers become accessible to all Jamaicans regardless of socioeconomic background.