Rosemary Parkinson, Gleaner Writer

Denise and Dwight show off their breaded deep-fried shrimp.

Recently, Scotiabank gathered its foundation scholars enrolled in tertiary institutions across the island for a fun-filled day with food.

Students from University of Technology (UTech), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Montego Bay Community College, Portmore Community College and Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts interacted with members of their new Scholars Club and the bank to learn about their options in the scholarship world.

According to executive director of the Scotiabank Foundation/director, public corporate and government affairs, Joylene Griffith-Irving, "This is not about just giving money, we have group meetings because we are genuinely interested in seeing the scholars network, talk to their mentors, really find out what the bank offers. Inviting our scholars to this more intimate setting, helps everyone to relax - this time some parents also attended." This event took place at at Dian Watson's Contemporary Art Gallery.

Sunday chat and nosh

Dian makes sure all is well on her buffet table. - photos by Rosemary Parkinson

During the all-day 'food' and 'chat' session, one scholar, Coleen Weise, motivated her peers. Having received a scholarship during her second year at UWI, she went to the Cave Hill campus in Barbados before attending the Norman Manley Law School. Her motivational speech left every student knowing they, too, could achieve anything.

"Coleen will now become a mentor to another scholar. When she was called to the Bar in November 2007, Scotia was there to cheer her on for her achievements, notes Griffiths-Irving. She continued, "The Scholars Club also introduces students to financial management. They learn to ask for advice such as how to save, invest and manage money better. We give them guidance; they are from needy families, so we are there to fill that gap and ensure their success."

Everyone lined up for the buffet table for the beautifully presented fare of fresh market tossed salad, beef and vegetable lasagne; mixed fresh vegetables in a cheese sauce, stuffed chicken in a white cream sauce, escoveitch fish and a beautiful rice filled with herbs and drizzled with raisins.

Pep talk

Scotiabank's president and CEO, William 'Bill' Clarke, arrived just in time to see 'his children' deep in food enthusiasm. He spoke to them of the importance of not only getting an education, but of being creative and innovative. "It is no longer possible for everybody to leave university expecting to join the private sector, so think of something you are passionate about, establish something for yourself. This way, we will ensure employment and make a greater contribution to the economy," he told them. He encouraged those studying science or research that they should look at the many niches available. Research - how to create new medicines and/or oils extracted from our herbs and spices. Agriculture - as an open market to be elevated as a serious science providing much needed food for the country, halting the excessive importation and give the economy a huge boost. There is so much to be done with caning, preserving, bottling of the bounty of the land, not only for local consumption but for export.

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Divine Italian Lasagna

According to Griffiths-Irving, this year a chair in entrepreneurship and development will be established at UTech to assist small businesses with research, financial management and risk assessment, so that students can move on more prepared to approach financial institutions to seek the loans required for these businesses. Right now the Caribbean culinary movement is hot. The more books we get on the shelves of North America and Europe depicting our cuisine, the better for our tourism product.

Griffiths-Irving noted that the location was perfect for their scholars to meet. "The food is excellent, we do not have to worry about the quality or to select the menu, Dian gives the whole package. You feel at home and the ambience is inspirational. We just love being here."