Two businesses Invest in East Kingstown Youth with Cash Bursaries and School Shoes

East Kingstown Students Get Helping Hand for Secondary School Journey

By Val Matthias. Updated 8:54 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Five students from East Kingstown are beginning their secondary school education with extra support after receiving financial assistance and school shoes through a community initiative aimed at easing the cost of back-to-school preparations.

The students, all successful candidates in the 2026 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), were presented with bursaries and footwear during a ceremony at The Shoe Shop in Kingstown on Saturday 8th September .

Each student received a bursary of EC$500 and a pair of brand-name shoes of their choice through a joint initiative between Professional Accounting and Financial Services (PAFS) and The Shoe Shop, businesses owned by chartered accountant Kevern Cyrus.

The recipients were selected from among successful CPEA students living in various communities across East Kingstown. Community members assisted with the selection process, which included eligibility checks and assessments.

The students receiving assistance were Athesian Henry of Walvaroo, who is now attending the West St George Secondary School; Anais Knights of Roseau, who has enrolled at Bishop’s College Kingstown; Silas McLean of Sion Hill, also attending the West St George Secondary School; Ameriah Grant of Rockies, who is now a student at St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; and Malachi Marshall of Mala Village, who has begun studies at the Intermediate High School.

The students and their parents expressed gratitude for the support as they prepared for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year on Monday.

Speaking to One News SVG, Cyrus said the bursaries were his way of giving back to the community and helping young people pursue their education.

He explained that the initiative was also intended to help families offset some of the costs already incurred purchasing uniforms, books and other school supplies before the start of the new term. Cyrus encouraged the students to remain focused on their education and assured them that support would continue to be available if needed.

The initiative comes as many parents across the country face the annual challenge of meeting back-to-school expenses, with the cost of uniforms, transportation, books and supplies placing additional pressure on household budgets.