THE JAMAICAN community in South Florida, United States, has donated $100,000 to the Ministry of National Security's scholarship programme for children of police officers.
Consul-General in Miami, Ricardo Allicock, officially handed over the cheque to Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry, Gilbert Scott, and representatives of the Jamaica Police Federation at the Ministry's Oxford Road offices in Kingston on Monday.
Mr. Allicock said the Jamaican community in South Florida sought to contribute annually to worthy causes in Jamaica and this year decided to contribute to the Federation's scholarship fund and the Swift Purscell Boys' Home in Highgate, St. Mary.
"We have split the funding this year, with the Swift Purscell Boys' Home also receiving $100,000, and although the contribution is a small one, hopefully it will make a dent in the lives of some," he said.
The funds were raised at a church service celebrating Jamaica's 43rd anniversary of independence.
Corporal Raymond Wilson, chairman of the Police Feder-ation, said he appreciated the contribution, and noted that it would go a far way in assisting the organisation's efforts.
The scholarship fund assists the children of police officers attending university and some 70 students will benefit this year. The 70 students include 20 third year students, 20 second year students and 30 first year students.
A ceremony for the scholarship recipients will be held next week.
