Isaac Ferguson, a Grand Bahama native that was forced to migrate to South Andros after Hurricane Dorian has been awarded a $40,000 scholarship from the Deltec Foundation.

Describing the transition to life after the devastating storm as “harsh”, due to his low-income family coping with displacement and scarcity while living in South Andros. 

Isaac said his parents encouraged him to look for opportunities to make his career goals a reality.

“My parents told me that with every opportunity, use it to the best of your ability,” said Isaac.

“Take advantage of it. Get all of the things that you would need to make your life easier on the road ahead. It really pushed me to be the best I could be.”

Isaac was recently awarded the Deltec Initiatives for Scholarship and Education (DIFSE) full four-year scholarship to attend the University of The Bahamas. 

The $40,000 scholarship will allow him to pursue a career in architectural design. 

Now in its fifth year, the DIFSE awards Family Island high school students with mentorship and a full scholarship to attend the University.

Janay Symonette, corporate communications vice-president at Deltec said the firm wanted to provide an opportunity for Family Island students, who are often overlooked and not afforded the same resources or opportunities as Nassau-based students.

“Since 2019, we’ve had amazing Family Island students with missions and vision to grow their island and we’ve seen them thrive,” said Ms Symonette.

Upon graduation, Isaac intends to make an impact on the construction industry. 

“We can’t stop hurricanes, but I would like to see better designed, better constructed buildings,” he said. 

“I wish to improve those industries throughout The Bahamas.”