ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: Six Grenadian students at a special ceremony on Wednesday, November 2, have been awarded scholarships to study in the People’s Republic of China, as the first contingent under the Education Cooperation Agreement, made available when both countries established diplomatic ties in January of this year. They are Crystal Peters and Richard Mc Quilkin from Carriacou who will be studying Forensic Science and Computer Electronics respectively; Patti Joseph - Heritage Tourism, Vonda Thompson - Medicine, Rhysie Jospeh - Information technology and Crispin Dabreo - Telecommunication Engineering. The students will depart for the PRC on November 6. The scholarships were made possible through the Department of Human Resources DHR, the Government’s coordinating unit on matters pertaining to training. Acting Permanent Secretary of DHR Mr. Wayne Radix, urged the students to be mindful of their duty and exercise the discipline and patience necessary for good results in keeping the Grenada flag flying high. The main policy of the Grenada Government is that more emphasis must be placed in empowering young people by creating opportunities for them to be educated to meaningfully participate in National Development. Education Minister Clarice Charles noted that Grenadian students abroad usually perform with excellence and is hopeful that the students in China will do likewise. “You are going to perform at your best. You have to adjust and work hard and what you will see years down the road is the success in coming back home to serve your country.” Ambassador of the PRC to Grenada Qian Hongshan expressed sentiments that the Grenada Government is on the right path when it attaches great importance to developing the education system by encouraging young people obtain knowledge. Ambassador Qian called on all young people to embrace the opportunities provided by the Government. Putting the Government’s policy on Education in perspective, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell said his government is very concerned with preparing the path way for the future of the country, which will depend heavily on an educated society. “The emphasis of rebuilding is placed on the governments ability to invest in the development of young minds. This vision of preparing the young people to face up to challenge now in education is charting the right course for Grenada.” He further disclosed that in Grenada’s hour of greatest need, the PRC had provided some one million US dollars of support to other Grenadian students in universities abroad, who had found it difficult to cope financially, following the passage of Hurricane Ivan. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com