NUCS supports Clinton Dietrich scholarship fund

The National Union of Co-operative Societies (NUCS) recently donated the sum of $50,000 towards the Clinton Dietrich Memorial Scholarship Fund which was established in 2008. This annual scholarship gives the recipient an opportunity to pursue an associate degree in general agriculture at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education.

Chief trustee of the fund and widow of the deceased, Doreen Dietrich, pointed out that the main objective for establishing such a scholarship was in a bid to fulfilling one of her husband's visions.

"Clinton was passionate about the agricultural sector and served in several executive capacities at the co-operative movement as well as the Christiana Potato Growers' Associations and one of his main goals was to raise the profile of farmers through continuous training and education." Since the inception of the fund, two beneficiaries have been drawn from the northwest Manchester area which is a prime farming zone. These beneficiaries are Norvett Grant and Wayne Raynor.

Worthwhile venture

Registrar of the Department of Co-operative and Friendly Societies, Errol Gallimore, during his address, indicated that the initiative was a worthwhile venture and pledged to support the fund.

State minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Michael Stern, lauded Clinton Dietrich's stellar contribution to the agricultural sector, especially in the parish of Manchester. He also noted that several of his recommendations pertaining to the agricultural policies are now being implemented by the Government. One such project was the implementation of the greenhouse technology. The state minister also described him as a straight-talk, genuine engineer who took his work seriously.

President of the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League and treasurer of NUCS, Johnathan Brown, speaking on behalf of the co-operatives, also lauded the trustees for such a prudent initiative and implored others to support it in order to achieve sustainability.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the trust, Kaydeen Dietrich, daughter of the late Clinton Dietrich, expressed gratitude to NUCS for its support, saying: "We are honoured to continue to support the brilliant minds who have a vested interest in the area of agriculture and we are inviting other potential donors to partner with us in this worthwhile venture."

The Clinton Dietrich Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to give young persons between the ages of 19 and 25 within the environs of Manchester the opportunity of a fulfilling career in agricultural science. The fund is managed by a board of trustees. Persons interested in supporting the fund may email: clintondietrichmemorialfund@gmail.com.