Seventeen students have been named recipients of this year’s Eileen Paul Scholarships, an initiative supported by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Authority’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund to fund students transitioning from primary school.
The programme, launched in 2021, supports the children of midline tourism workers, such as front desk employees, wait staff and other service employees who make up the backbone of the island’s hospitality industry. “It is for those hardworking service members,” Donette Ismael, programme manager for the Tourism Enhancement Fund, told St Lucia Times.
This year’s awardees:
- Ernetta Mason (Choiseul Secondary School)
- Royanne Amedee (Soufrière Comprehensive Secondary School – SCSS)
- Zena Jacob (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School – CCSS)
- Jabari Regis (SCSS)
- Jadiel Marcel (CCSS)
- Adrian Browne (Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School – LHCSS)
- Kharissa Nedd (LHCSS)
- Khloé Joseph (Entrepot Secondary School)
- Zakiya Alexander (CCSS)
- Delandra Lansiquot (CCSS)
- Malik Dariah (St. Mary’s College – SMC)
- Noah Fitz (CCSS)
- Jelani John (SMC)
- Enettus Marius (Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary School)
- Kervon Moise (Corinth Secondary School)
- Anaise Paul (CCSS)
- Aarianna St Omer (CCSS)
The students were selected from more than 40 applicants. The awards take into account both academic performance and family financial circumstances. Recipients must maintain at least a 70% grade average to remain in the programme.
At Monday’s awards ceremony, held at the Mirage Conference Room at Sandals Halcyon Beach, Ismael underscored the broader vision of the scholarship: “Mrs. Eileen Paul’s vision was never simply about rewarding the highest grade; it was about opening doors, creating pathways and ensuring that no child’s future will begin by circumstance.”
For students, the impact is immediate. “I’m deeply grateful for being selected to receive this scholarship. Your support has not only lightened my parents’ financial burden but also motivates me to work harder towards my goals,” said awardee Jadiel Marcel.
Former recipient Chrissy Joseph described the long-term difference such support makes. “It released a great burden from my shoulders, knowing that I could focus on my studies without constant financial worry. To me, this scholarship is not only financial assistance, but also a reminder that this organisation believes in my potential and is willing to invest in my future.”
The programme, which began with just 10 students, now supports 57 across the country. Each year, the SLHTA has expanded its scope. This year, it introduced psychosocial support to help students who may struggle to maintain the academic threshold. “If a student for some reason does not maintain the average, we will get an assessment done,” Ismael explained. “We will have professionals find out what the gap is, what support they need apart from the financial support, to help them stay in the programme.”
The initiative will also now extend to scholarships at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, though the number of places has not yet been announced.
The scholarship honours the memory of Eileen Paul, a longtime SLHTA staff member who served the organisation from its earliest days and was known for her commitment to both the industry and its people.
