By Erica James-King, Senior Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson yesterday announced the establishment of two post-graduate scholarships in commemoration of the Jubilee celebrations of the Queen, which will benefit students at the University of the West Indies and University of Technology.
In announcing the scholarships during luncheon for the Royal Couple, at Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, Mr. Patterson indicated that the new scholarships will seek to provide advanced educational opportunities in the area of technology and environmental management.
"Extremely conscious of Her Majesty's interest in the spread of knowledge and the advent of a new technological age, the Cabinet has decided to commemorate the visit by the award of two post-graduate Scholarships, which we humbly ask your majesty to allow us to designate 'Jubilee Scholarships', as we celebrate this historic milestone in your memorable reign," said the Prime Minister.
The award of the scholarships will take effect during the later part of the year 2003.
"In the next academic year, the University of the West Indies will place a graduate student in the programme for environmental management and the University of Technology is proposing a joint programme with a British university for a Master's Degree in Information Technology. We believe, Your Majesty, that both fields are of vital importance to the future and also represent areas of considerable interest to you."
Meanwhile, Mr. Patterson has reiterated the nation's commitment to the Commonwealth of Nations, stating that his administration has "absolute confidence and trust" in Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth. The Prime Minister's comments come at a time when the ruling administration and successive Jamaican governments have hinted that Jamaica will shortly go the route of a Republic dropping the Queen as head of state.
Addressing dignitaries at the function, Mr. Patterson expressed satisfaction that he is the only Prime Minister of Jamaica to have been privileged to receive the Queen on two successive visits to the island.
In her address, the Queen said:
"We leave ... with renewed belief in the vigour and exuberance of the people of this island. Yours is a creative and dynamic culture, springing from deep within the colourful history of this land. I am confident that this energy properly channelled can achieve great things for the Jamaica of the future, as it has done in the past.
"Prince Philip and I leave this evening, more aware of the economic and social challenges which face Jamaica, but also with a clearer idea of the many ways in which you like others around the world... are trying to address them.
"I am impressed by the determination of which so many people here are engaged in the constant struggle to provide a better and more fulfilling life," she said.
Before leaving the island last evening, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were the guests of honour at a Garden Fair hosted by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke at Half Moon Hotel.
