Top students urged to give back as 30 scholarships and exhibitions awarded

Thirty of Barbados’ top-performing academic students have been awarded scholarships and exhibitions, with Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman urging them to use their success not only to excel abroad but to help transform the country and wider Caribbean.

This year’s scholarships and exhibitions went to students of Harrison College, Queen’s College, The St Michael School, and Barbados Community College (BCC).

Harrison College led with three scholarships and eight exhibitions. BCC secured four scholarships, five exhibitions, and the Award of Excellence. Queen’s College took one scholarship and seven exhibitions, while The St Michael School earned one exhibition.

Scholarships cover full tuition, health insurance where relevant, annual allowances, and round-trip economy airfare at the beginning and end of studies. Exhibitions, tenable across the three University of the West Indies campuses, provide an allowance and travel support for those studying in Jamaica or Trinidad.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw noted that 4 699 students registered for CAPE this year, up from 4 406 in 2024, with 4 607 sitting the exams. Of those, 94.2 per cent achieved passing grades from Grade 1 to 5.

For CSEC, 23 535 entries came from 21 758 candidates, with a 67 per cent pass rate.

“In the context of celebrating our scholarship and exhibition winners, it is important that we as a country generally understand the performance of our students,” she said.

At the official presentation ceremony at the ministry’s MRD Auditorium, Blackman announced that his ministry will track the progress of scholarship and exhibition recipients over the next five to ten years as part of efforts to measure education outcomes and their contribution to national development.

“It’s not just about academic excellence, but about what you are doing to transform this generation of Barbadians,” he added.

Blackman warned the students not to slip into complacency, stressing that their competition was global. “Don’t get into a false sense of security because you’ve done incredibly well here. Your real competition is your counterparts in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Constantly renew your benchmarks of success.”

The awards come as the ministry pushes ahead with an ambitious target of making Barbados’ education system the best in the world within seven years.

“This is not about boasting that we are number one. It’s about creating a system that allows our students to thrive, to think critically, and to compete anywhere in the world,” Blackman said, pointing to plans for modernised curricula, world-class infrastructure and continuous retooling of teachers and students.

He described the academic achievements as “not ordinary” and said the distinction should be seen as both a privilege and a responsibility.

“You have proven to the country that you are exceptional,” he told the recipients.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.

The challenge for this generation is how you will use this certification to ensure that Barbados and the wider Caribbean benefit in a significant way that will transform lives.”

Blackman reminded awardees to remain grounded but ambitious. “You have a starting point of success that you must now build on and constantly renew within yourself. This country believes in you. That’s why you’re here.” shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb

Scholarship package

– Full tuition covered

– Health insurance (where required)

– Annual allowance

– Round-trip airfare at start and end of studies

Exhibition package

– Allowances at UWI campuses

– Airfare for placements in Jamaica or Trinidad