Billionaire Michael Lee-Chin celebrates $7.2 million in NCB scholarships for Jamaica’s brightest students

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • Sixteen of Jamaica’s top students received $7.2 million in scholarships from N.C.B. Foundation, with 10 scholarships awarded to young men.
  • The scholarships aim to empower students like John-Ross Crooks, who plans to use his success to uplift his community.
  • N.C.B. Foundation’s $43-million investment in education this year includes the new Michael Lee-Chin Community Grant for community initiatives.

Billionaire Michael Lee-Chin recently celebrated the awarding of $7.2 million in scholarships to sixteen of Jamaica’s brightest students. The N.C.B. Foundation, under Lee-Chin’s leadership, hosted the awards ceremony at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. This event recognized the academic achievements and determination of these young scholars.

This year’s awards showcased the success of young men, with 10 of the 16 scholarships awarded to male students. Paul Brown, a standout recipient, received the Dr. Rickert Allen Memorial Scholarship, valued at $600,000 annually, to pursue a BSc. in Networking with Cyber Security at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC).

Additionally, John-Ross Crooks from Kingston and Joshua Newsome from St. Elizabeth were named National Champions, each receiving $700,000 annually for their studies. Crooks will study Software Engineering (Gaming), and Newsome will focus on Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Technology (UTECH).

A commitment to community and national development

These scholarships are more than financial aid—they unlock the potential of Jamaica’s future leaders. National Champion John-Ross Crooks expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a dream come true. This award makes me feel like anything is possible.” Thalia Lyn, Chair of the N.C.B. Foundation, encouraged the recipients to build on their sense of purpose, urging them to let it guide them to success.

State Minister Marsha Smith praised the Foundation for aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing how the scholarships actively shape Jamaica’s future.

A legacy of impact

The N.C.B. Foundation’s scholarship awards ceremony marked its 16th anniversary. In celebration, Michael Lee-Chin announced the $1.6 million Michael Lee-Chin Community Grant, encouraging scholarship recipients to collaborate on community initiatives.

Beyond individual scholarships, the Foundation has allocated $43 million this year, a 10 percent increase from last year. Since 2008, the Foundation has invested over J$1 billion in education, benefiting more than 13,500 students across Jamaica.

These scholarships are not just investments in individuals—they are investments in Jamaica’s future.