Hillsborough, September 7th, 2009- The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is continuing its drive to assist the nation’s students, including those from Carriacou and Petite Martinique, in their educational pursuit. On the eve of the reopening of the new school year, NIS officials held a retreat for seven Carriacou and Petite Martinique students who are beneficiaries of the scholarship program sponsored by the National Insurance Scheme. Janice Francis, NIS Human Resource Manager, expressed satisfaction with the students’ performance. They averaged better than 60 percent. Ms. Francis made special mention of Shadell Peters and Shian Ollivierre, students of Bishop’s College, who attained averages of over 90 percent. In encouraging all the youngsters, she urged them to “keep up the good work and embrace with both hands the opportunity’’ they have been given. The students and their parents were also addressed by Anderson Matheson, Personal Assistant to Senator George Prime, Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs. Mr. Matheson, while offering motivational words to the students, also admonished their parents, emphasizing that mothers and fathers have a pivotal role to play in their children’s educational journey. Ronel Allen, speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, thanked the NIS and conveyed the appreciation of his peers. Allen graduated from Bishop’s College with eight CXC passes. The NIS, a statutory body of the Government of Grenada, established its scholarship program in 1995. Since then, 124 students have benefited from the program. Of that number, 46 are currently enrolled in post-secondary career courses. By Deanna Isaac Carriacou