Malvern Onyx Lions Back Caribbean Student Scholarships

By Lincoln DePradine

An additional number of students of Caribbean ancestry pursuing post-secondary studies will benefit from assistance from the Council of Caribbean Associations–Canada (CCAC).

Last year, CCAC introduced the Ingrid Veronica King Bursary to its students’ aid program. King, in 2009, joined CCAC as a representative of the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations, and has become the organization’s longest-serving secretary.

CCAC now has announced a new “Genevieve Lewis Loved Ones Bursary’’, as well as the receipt of a sponsorship donation from the Malvern Onyx Lions Club.

The CCAC’s education program, which was established in 2012, is open to students of Caribbean descent attending colleges, trade schools, and universities in Ontario. They must be “pursuing full-time studies leading up to their first diploma or degree”.

The Malvern Onyx Lions Club donation is $8,000 covering four years. It will provide $2,000 annually to a scholarship winner.

A cheque presentation was made earlier this month to CCAC secretary King and president Tornelle Griffith by Lions Club members.

The “Genevieve Lewis Loved Ones Bursary’’ is in honour of the late Mrs Lewis, described as a “passionate educator’’ who had an extended career in Antigua as a teacher and principal.

The path to the new bursary began in 2016 when Kadesha James was about to receive a CCAC $1,000 bursary. James was unable to participate in the full bursary presentation ceremony because her grandmother, Genevieve Lewis, had died the night before.

“Kadesha went on to graduate with an Honours BSc., majoring in physiology and psychology; and, later, a Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences,’’ the CCAC said.

“In 2020, she joined the CCAC Scholarship Committee. Since then, she has served as the anchor of the organization’s online presentation ceremonies, giving back to the same community that once supported her academic journey. For 2026, Kadesha and her family have chosen to name one of the bursaries in honour of her late grandmother, Mrs. Genevieve Lewis, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire and uplift future students.’’

The Loved Ones Bursary is a special category of CCAC’s students’ assistance program, inviting individuals and families to sponsor bursaries in tribute to loved ones.

The bursaries of CCAC are in addition to three scholarships, including one of up to $8,000, paid over up to four years, and two others of up to $24,000 each.

The introduction of the “Genevieve Lewis Loved Ones Bursary’’ and the sponsorship from the Malvern Onyx Lions Club allow CCAC “to broaden our outreach, strengthen meaningful partnerships, and continue creating life-changing opportunities for young people who may otherwise be overlooked or underserved’’, Griffith told The Caribbean Camera.

“We firmly believe that our community has a responsibility to invest in its future by empowering the next generation to grow, lead, and succeed. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, social mobility, and community advancement. Every contribution brings us one step closer to building a stronger, more educated, and more resilient generation of Caribbean leaders who will positively shape our communities for years to come.’’

For more information about the CCAC’s Scholarships and Loved Ones Bursaries, visit caribbeancouncilcanada.org

LJI reporter

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