Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie has announced increases in grant funding, for students under the care of the Board of Supervision for Poor Relief in Jamaica.

McKenzie said although the increase is still not enough, it will be very helpful for each student getting it.

The grants are for students at the primary and secondary school levels.

Some students, who previously got $25,000, will now get $30,000 while other grants have increased from $65,000 to $85,000.

McKenzie said he is fully aware of the hardships parents and guardians face in caring for their children, and that he is trying his best to meet their needs.

He was speaking at Board of Supervision’s Scholarship Awards Ceremony, at the Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort in St. Ann yesterday (Mar 1).

The scholarship awards ceremony recognizes children whose parents are clients of the Board of Supervision, and achieved high academic performance in the recent GSAT, CAPE and CSEC examinations.

64 students, who attend various schools islandwide, were presented with awards of excellence.

McKenzie called on all Jamaicans to salute the students, pointing out that based on their performance over the years, they have merited the assistance.