Lawyer from Layou gives a scholarship and bursaries to students in her community

By Desrine McTair. Updated 8:24 a.m., Thursday, October 5th, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

A former resident of the Central Leeward town of Layou – Vadeesha John-Brookes provided financial aid in the form of a scholarship and bursaries to five (5) students in Layou.

According to a press release yesterday (October 4th), Vakeesha John, John-Brookes’ sister, handed over certificates and monies to five (5) students and their parents at the Layou Waterfront, on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Four of the students received bursaries of EC$500.00 each and one student received the first
EC$500.00 payout of a five-year scholarship, valued at EC$7,500.00.

Two (2) of the students are attending St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, one (1) is attending Bishop’s College Kingstown and another attends Central Leeward Secondary School.

One (1) student from the St. Vincent Grammar School received a full scholarship of EC$500.00 every term until graduation, once all scholarship criteria’s are met, said the press release.

All of the recipients were successful in this year’s CPEA examinations in May and most of them are involved in various activities within the community, stated the press release.

In a video, the students and their parents expressed their profound gratitude to John-Brookes, a
Vincentian lawyer living in St. Kitts. In her remarks, John told awardees that her sister was giving back because “she was once as small as you with big dreams. She attended the Layou Government School and worked her way up…there were some good people who invested in our education. She wants to be just that to you.” John said.

John-Brookes commented virtually and encouraged students to give education their best shot.
She also thanked the parents for playing an active role in their children’s lives and highlighted
the role of the family and community, the press release further stated.

“I am proud of each of you, and I have great confidence that you will continue to do well.
Education is important and will determine the quality of your life. Focus on your dreams, work
hard and give it your best shot. Find time to balance your academics with extracurricular
activities and community-building to help you to relax and to aid with your holistic development. Your parents are with you, and I am happy for that. A strong family and a united community are two great pillars of success for every student.”

Vadeesha John-Brookes intends to make this an annual event and hopes to help many more
young people in Central Leeward in their education pursuits.