SENATOR Latrae Rahming said he will donate his entire Senate salary to fund scholarships, business grants and a “new beginning” grant, saying the assistance he received from others helped him complete university and build his career.

Mr Rahming, the director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the initiative will include two $5,000 scholarship grants for people 18 or older who are eligible for university, one grant for someone starting over, and five $1,000 business grants.

“I wouldn’t be half of the person that I am today had it not been for the sacrifice of others,” he said in a video announcing the grants. “I believe as others have done for you, you should return the favour and pour into others.”

Mr Rahming said his mother’s decision to return to school later in life inspired the “new beginning” grant.

He said the business grants would be aimed at women.

“All of these grants are from the Leader of the Women Dem to my women,” he said. “I want to make this investment.”

The phrase “Leader of the Women Dem” was popularised by the late Rodney Moncur, who used it as part of his public persona, usually jokingly.

Mr Rahming credited several people with helping him finish university, including Sir Franklyn Wilson, Adrian Fox, Randy Penn, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Gowon Bowe and former Prime Minister Perry Christie.

“If it had not been for the sacrifice for my mom who went into Scotiabank to accept that loan, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said, adding that a small network of support helped shape his life.