MDC secures $6.1-million in scholarships through its “US Private Boarding School Program”

Students who benefited under the program

The Marigot Development Corporation (MDC), has secured scholarships valued at $6.1-million for sixteen (16) students to study in the United States.

The program targets students under 17 years old who are eligible for entrance at a US Private Boarding School. Students are facilitated in preparing for the entrance exam (the SSAT), selecting schools, applying to the schools and obtaining financial awards.

The program provides support and guidance to students throughout boarding school and university as needed.

Michael Pascal, Coordinator of the program, says that they are extremely happy with the stellar performance this year, with 83% of the students receiving substantial financial awards.

The students secured scholarships ranging from 70% to 100% of the total cost of tuition & board, for periods of two, three or four years and for the second consecutive year, one of the 16 students is a non-Dominican.

He is confident that if the students continue to excel that they will be able to gain significant awards to top ranked colleges and universities in North America.

The students are: Selena Pacquette, Lease Anthony, Brier Evans, Yasmine Pascal, Krystal Charter, Jai Bully, Abigail Linton, Chaune Fagan, Sheba Hector of Convent High School (CHS); Kian Sorhaindo and Zoe Hypolite of Leeds Institute; Ajani Joseph, Kyrene George and Darlon Riviere of the Dominica State College (DSC); Eden Linton of St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) and Daniel Pascal of Chisholm Academy in Canada.

The new students will join six (6) students from the program currently attending U.S boarding schools.

They will attend Deerfield Academy, Masters School, Salem Academy, Grand River Academy, Cheshire Academy, North Field Mount Hermon (NMH), Stuart Hall School, Orme School, Darrow School, Ms. Hall’s School, Rabun Gap School, St. Margaret’s School and Wayland Academy.

The program would like to thank the very loyal parents and the supporting cast – Ms. Sharon Philogene-English Instructor, Mr. Bruce Martins-Math Instructor and Ms. Nadja ThomasInterview Instructor; without whom this year’s success would not be possible.

The program wishes both the parents and students who were not able to receive significant awards the very best in their future endeavours.

The program begins preparation for the class of 2018 with an orientation session carded for 10 AM on July 22, 2017 at the Prevo Cinemall.

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60 Comments

  1. Sugar
    July 24, 2017

    All this useless talk over innocent children receiving scholarships is a clear sign of the level of idleness and lack of activity – economic and otherwise in this country. Dominicans simply have nothing to do to even be spending so much time and energy over this.

  2. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    July 22, 2017

    There are times we must weigh out situations and be fair. Two children, twins from the same biological parents were fortunate to get this scholarship. Do not envy them and do not be negative that they were chosen. They must have deserved it.
    Furthermore, whoever was responsible for choosing them on merit, knew that they are twins. I think it would be better to keep those twins together and not separate them. It would be disastrous to do that for both of them.
    Those who know about twins even though they do not have twins of their own should comprehend that. Twins are inseparable. They do everything together and they will excel.
    Good luck to you twins.
    Let me offer each one of you, the chosen ones for this scholarship, my best wishes. Be diligent. Keep well. God be with you, protect you and bless you, also in your studies.
    When you settle-in and during your studies, let us know how you are doing. We would love to hear from you through DNO.

  3. Me
    July 22, 2017

    well I never thought linton would send his children to six form in the states when we have a state college here. wasn’t he upset that skerrit making babies in the states? Oh but he babies born there too, how about making issue that skerrit son goes to school in the states? Stupes its not even about who deerve scholarships but the same things they complain about they have done, linton is just a carbon copy of skerrit on the outside. wait till he gets inside and you will see. good thing that aint go happen in DA

  4. UK Dominican
    July 21, 2017

    All I can surmise is that some government supporters are pissed off that they can not claim credit for this on behalf of their Saviour from Vielle Case. Not everyone is depending on handouts from that source but help themselves, and their children. We should applaud this.

    • July 22, 2017

      Help themselves from another source? Some of it still not coming coming from their pockets so it still is a form of dependency. The reason for this reaction by labour supporters is because of how the son of the PM was treated by UWP supporters on social media. Again the UWP with its holier-than-thou attitude.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 22, 2017

      There are too many negative people in the world. For once be positive and state something good and encouraging. It is also not enhancing.
      Your negative comment does not help anyone in any way. It is not even educating. Be kind in your comment for once. Wish the new students well.

  5. Meh
    July 21, 2017

    It is so funny that this particular program has been around for years and nobody paid attention to it. This year because two children with the last name Linton got an opportunity to further their education all of a sudden everyone has a negative opinion. I guess the other 12 students and all those who benefited from the program in the past are nobodies.

    I guess expecting you all to do the slightest amount of due diligence to find out how the program works would just be too much work.

    I swear some of you keyboard bullies look for the bad in everything to fuel your outrage…SMH

  6. Reall!!!!!
    July 21, 2017

    The focus should be on how can we build more foundations like the MDCC to benefit our children across Dominica base on their abilities.

    If Mr. Linton children did not have the ability they would not have receive these Scholars from the boarding schools.

    This program is implemented by local Dominicans not INTL NGO or Organization therefore to me this is paramount accomplishment.

  7. I did the boarding school program
    July 21, 2017

    This program has nothing to do with the government!! Why does anything with scholarship have to deal with the government. Parents make scarifices to pay the fees needed for this program. It is a year long process and I and saying this from personal experience. These students have been preparing months for their exams and their hard work had paid off and they can go off to school. Dominicans need to be informed on things before they jump to conclusions!! Anybody can send their child to boarding school if they want to.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 22, 2017

      They deserve commendation.

  8. Woman
    July 21, 2017

    Yes I. Now that is the kind of self reliance and independence I would like to see more pf in this country.
    Break the dependency and control syndrome.

  9. Ty
    July 21, 2017

    Why the need for high school graduates in Dca to return to High School.in the USA?

  10. Looking
    July 21, 2017

    I know of stories of folks who applied for scholarships through the government system to Canada (Francophone) and New Zealand and their applications did not pass the through the governments system because it was thought, they did not support the DLP. Sadly in those instances Dominica lost the opportunity because nobody was selected during those years that these applicants were rejected.

  11. Dominican
    July 21, 2017

    Can anybody who has been following this update me on the success?What has happened to the former particiapants? Has any of them gotten ivy league scholarships? I only know of who already had family in the states and she is in an ordinary college her parents are paying for. I am trying to see if the benefit is worth the effort and money the parents contribute towards going back to High School in a boarding school.

  12. mine
    July 21, 2017

    Its unfair that two children of one person was chosen.

    • Looking
      July 21, 2017

      Its based on Merit. You could have sent a 100 students. None could have been selected. That’s just the way it goes. Merit

    • Anonymous
      July 21, 2017

      Why is that unfair? Both children did well in their exams and got scholarships from the SCHOOLS. I find your comment makes no sense to be honest.

    • Dominican
      July 21, 2017

      As far as I know the children are chosen on merit, not on whom they are connected to, political or otherwise.
      It means that they worked hard to meet or excel the standards for admission. This is the fairest selection process that I can think of.

    • Good Job MDC
      July 21, 2017

      In this instance because MDC did not directly hand pick the students I think it is totally fair. Nothing wrong with giving to the deserving

  13. Concorde Resident
    July 21, 2017

    Despite my earlier comments on the matter, I wish the youngsters well. They are deserving of every opportunity to further themselves and to position themselves for contributing to the development of Marigot and Dominica by extension. The sky’s the limit. Go for it and make yourself, your family and country proud. Congratulations! Wished there was greater transparency in the selection process and that my nephew had received positive consideration.

  14. Concorde Resident
    July 21, 2017

    The opposition is fond of making reference to former Premier of Dominica Mr. E. O Leblanc. They always claim that Mr. Leblanc, based on the some of his principles is turning in his grave at the level of “nepotism” that is taking place in the governance of Dominica today. I wonder if Mr. Leblanc had a say in awarding the scholarships, would he have claimed two scholarships, at one time, for two members of his immediate family? Just thinking given the many times Mr. Leblanc’s style of leadership has been cited as lacking in the governance of today’s Dominica. Mr. Le Blanc’s refusal to award a government house (at Shillingford Crescent) to a deserving member of his family has been hailed by the opposition as a tangible expression of what a leader ought to be. To appear always to be above reproach against any criticism, real or perceived of nepotism in managing the affairs of people. But, its an “a fou a wee” consideration. Just thinking out loud.

    • Oh please!
      July 21, 2017

      Don’t be sour grapes. I very much doubt Lennox was the one determining who got scholarships, nor was he in a position to “claim” scholarship for his children. The is an independent, reputable body! The kids being twins are at the same educational level, they both applied and went through the channels. Whatever the criterion’s were, they must have triumphed over the other applicants.

  15. city obsever
    July 20, 2017

    Way to go MDC. Woop woop.

  16. Yinka
    July 20, 2017

    And the article stated …ONE…is a non Dominican….hmmm!

  17. Voiceofreason
    July 20, 2017

    The government doesn’t pay for any of this in case you didn’t know. The schools’ financial aid fund are the ones granting scholarships. This has nothing to do with the Dominican government and they have 0 part to play.

  18. Tom Brown
    July 20, 2017

    I see two children from the same mother and father in on. Very interesting.
    But they want to talk about government giving poor people children scholarship to go school.

    • me
      July 20, 2017

      And so what? They dont deserve an education too? One set?

      • Me
        July 21, 2017

        These parents are not paying for private education from income that can not be explained.

    • Dominican Child
      July 20, 2017

      I think there is something seriously wrong with you if that is the most important thing you could get from the entire story. I see the faces of 16 young ,intelligent Dominican students being given an opportunity to better themselves. I have heard criticisms of the government but I have rarely heard anyone speaking negatively about their awarding of scholarships to “poor people “children as you put it.

      I wish we as Dominicans could rise up and encourage our young people to do better instead of always trying to put political slants on everything happening in the country. I know these two children from the same mother and father as you put it and they have always been children who work hard and performed well. I would therefore like to know what is wrong with them getting their scholarship based on their hard work? Sometimes all I can do is shake my mind .

      • July 20, 2017

        That’s how sick some of people are I haven got children of my own but I an very proud of the 16 students who made the list, I pray that other children will rise up to the challenge especially the young men and that next list will be larger and to Mr. Michael Pascal my hat is off to you sir I pray that God will continue to bless your services to humanity.
        I also hope more children from Marigot / Wesley will take advantage of the program.. Again congratulations to all the students .

    • oh yes!
      July 20, 2017

      the parents of these children deserve the help – afterall the government keep taking their parents to court and ensuring that they have no money to care for their children. Skerrit goal is to have their parent slave for him in his garden. Their parent sacrifice alot for this country and so this a great way to lend to show gratitude. All CBI money have come out out of the closet or private safe because of them. So i say to these children out and make your parents proud. Thank you so much MDC for being a bless to this family. We – the conscious Dominicans say THANKS for the Scholarships and work being done

    • Michael Pascal
      July 20, 2017

      Tom Brown…. Its obvious you don’t understand how the program works or you are just mischievous. In case you don’t understand please join our public information session this Saturday at Prevo CIne Mall at 10am. You are specially invited.

    • Mrs. ED
      July 21, 2017

      YES TWO OF THEM!!!!!!!! And what is the issue with TWO? ONE received over US $40,000 at a private school in Manhattan. ONE at such an expensive cost! That should be your gripe! Can you imagine the number of students from Dominica who could be helped with $40,000 US Dollars? Some of you NEED to take those planks out of those myopic specs you wear and leave our miniscule dust to us. Good bye.

      • July 21, 2017

        You are still belching the same crap that has caused all this negative talk on this issue. So it is only one set that can send their children to boarding school? We must not be selfish, have you considered that many poor American kids could have benefited from this 6 million dollar scholarship giveaway to foreign students? FYI, there are about 50 million Americans living in porverty.

        • Khade
          June 27, 2019

          For three years now I have been trying to contact these people but with no avail does anyone have and idea as to how I can contact these people

    • %
      July 21, 2017

      This is not a government thing..If they deserve it,give it to them

  19. July 20, 2017

    At least the politician from Marigot could have allowed one other student from Marigot to get help instead of sending his both kids.

    • Michael Pascal
      July 20, 2017

      Politicians in Marigot, La Plaine or any other constituency have no say in who gets scholarship. Scholarships are at the sole discretion of the schools and the schools alone, its strictly a merit based system. Isn’t that great.

    • Mrs. ED
      July 21, 2017

      Go and help Marigot children then. SMDH Do you have the details? Do you have the facts? Do you even know how this works? I mean the levels you all will go to display your ignorance is absolutely stunning. You cannot just come on here and make claims, it is foolish! Ok it’s your computer… so go ahead and make the world a more miserable place to be. Be fair and think before you write, be fair to us all.

    • Peculiar
      July 21, 2017

      That’s why before you make a fool of yourself you gotta get the facts. This scholarship is earned not just given. Don’t confuse it with government scholarship. Ask the education minister and housing minister how many children of theirs got Dominican government scholarship. Allu labourites just evil

    • RABBIT
      July 21, 2017

      THEY ARE TWINS AND THEY ARE GOING TO REMAIN TOGETHER NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY. TAKE A HIKE

  20. Dominican
    July 20, 2017

    I commend Mr PAscal for doing what parliamentarians in opposition has never done. They all wait for “when you vote us in” However they are going to repeat secondary school and then they “may” get a chance to enter a “elite” university mmmm. I checked it out one year, and I realized that with even 80% scholarship I would have had to pay about 10 gran a year. To me that was too much to pay for secondary school after my child already graduated for secondary school on the off chance that she gets into an elite university for which I will have to find more money. To some its worth the effort, kudos to them but we all know whats best for our child. I would like to hear about the progress of the ones who went years ago also. Best of luck to you all, God Speed.

    • Michael Pascal
      July 20, 2017

      Some clarification:
      1. It’s not a repeat of work already done at secondary school. It’s a throw back to the days when 6th form was part of Grammar School and Convent as Secondary Schools. So you did two years post 5th Form if you were in the academic stream for A’Levels but you were still in the Secondary School. :)
      2. This option will not work for everyone but if you have bright children with talent in sports, creative arts and leadership it’s definitely an option to consider. It worked for my friends and I all the way to University for our children. We didn’t have to climb a step to beg a politician so we share it with you.

      • Dominican
        July 21, 2017

        While you there giving mepuis as a response Mr Pascal, give us an update on the former recepients that are not “you and your friends” children thanks.

    • mine
      July 21, 2017

      how many of the six scholarships stayed in Marigot.

  21. interesting
    July 20, 2017

    You see Linton child dere? You see he sending his child to the states..!! When he finish he giving Skerrit blows for sending his child to the states for education.

  22. Reall!!!!!
    July 20, 2017

    Well done FOLKS!!!!!!

  23. Anon
    July 20, 2017

    Wow impressive. I like that, very significant and important.

  24. hhhhhhhhhhhhh
    July 20, 2017

    Great job…kudos to all involved

  25. Bro
    July 20, 2017

    At $381,125 per child just to go high school is a major misallocation of funds. If it was for a college education yes, maybe but high school? The Dominican/ West Indian education system is way better than the Americans, c students here are A+ students when they head into US universities. I am sorry, whoever is in charge is wasting money, but it’s theirs to waste. There is no positive other than contributing to our brain drain so that possibly in the future these kids can send remittances home.
    $6.1 million could pave all the feeder roads in marigot which would increase property values and hereby be a major boost to farmers. Just saying. But it’s private funds so kiddos of even thinking of developing your community in the first place.

    • %
      July 20, 2017

      Money is never wasted when you spent on educating young minds with positive mindsets,unless this young mind is a misfit in society,garbling filth as you are doing on here.Go buy an exercise book and a pencil and go to school.WELL DONE MDC!

      • %
        July 20, 2017

        When it is spent on …..

    • ***
      July 20, 2017

      Clearly you do not understand what is a scholarship!
      Its not cash you can use on roads.

    • Jolie
      July 20, 2017

      Wow. Your comments are so misguided.

      It may be useful that find out about the programme, the benefits so far to the Alumni of the programme before posting such a comment. We are so quick to make disparaging comments it is rather mind boggling.

    • Lyndon Valerie
      July 20, 2017

      Bro,
      You are so off. It is so discouraging when people with your superior intelligence always seem to know wha is best. You always seem to have advice for how others should spend their time and money. Bro, the MDC did not get a check for $6.1 million, and then decided that this was the best way to spend the funds. What they did was, they secured scholarships for children of Dominica that are valued at $6.1 million.
      If you found $6.1 miliion , I suspect that the first thing you would do, is build yourself a big house – you would never spend it on feeder roads, or feeding the needy.
      The MDC must be commended. Their efforts over the last few years are commendable and above reproach.
      Tell me – what are you doing for the developement of your fellow country men???
      Tell me – WHAT????

      • NUWP
        July 20, 2017

        Yes Mr. S James U have the explanation. But tell me if the child or children of the PAL-REP are benefiting from the program? If yes how would U describe it?

        Please guide us let me know if you really should replace you daddy.

        Your silent will says to us you are half a dozen of one and six of the other.

        Waiting on ur reply Mr. S James

    • Anon
      July 20, 2017

      Brain fart Bro, you should have paid attention in school raher than just recess. It shows in your comment.

    • jaded
      July 20, 2017

      I agree. Spending all this money on primary education is wrong-headed. That money could be much better spent on their college education. How much better is primary education in the U.S. than in Dominica?

      • July 20, 2017

        Go and tell your Government for money to put into the education system, These schools put out their own funds to help students in our Island, so instead of dictating where these or how their money should be spent, Go and congratulating the student.

    • Brian
      July 20, 2017

      And yes in 10 years when the feeder roads are all dilapidated these youngsters will have a college education and good careers and you’ll still be dotish.

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