Leading Caribbean security operations company The Guardsman Group, founded by Kenny Benjamin, on Wednesday hosted its PEP 2026 Scholarship & Awards Ceremony for the children of its officers and staff.

The  Guardsman Foundation, formed 30 years ago, is dedicated to the upliftment of communities and encourages education, helping with a number of initiatives. It has done tremendous work helping communities rebound from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which slammed into Jamaica last October, displacing many school students. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Guardsman’s VP of Product Development, Captain Jevan Brown, pointed out that while the children were honoured and celebrated for their PEP accomplishments, parents should also be recognised.

“Attention to your children’s welfare and education does not begin when you leave work; it is continual. Push your children to study, encourage them. Hard work must be matched by discipline. Then good things happen. Yes, there will be challenges ahead, but hard work pays off. Never be afraid to dream bigger.

“Guardsman is evolving as technology and innovation lead the way. We continue to value our staff and teams, and their families are important to us. If they prosper, so too do Guardsman. Your children are the future, and we are investing in you. Continue to make your parents proud.”

Many companies happily proclaim their financial fortunes and the announcements appear in the press. Guardsman pays close attention to the development of communities and their people, making its contribution to the upliftment of Jamaicans.

There were 60 applications for the scholarships. 

Guardsman’s senior executives attended the ceremony

Speaking on behalf of Guardsman’s Executive Chairman Kenny Benjamin, senior executive and the Head of Hope Zoo Valerie Juggan Brown acknowledged the hard work of the Guardsman staff’s children and said this is a necessary step in building a bright future. She recalled going to a hospital to check on the welfare of a staff member when someone touched her  elbow and said: “Do you remember me?”  She didn’t immediately, but that person remembered the senior Guardsman executive when at school and is now one of the doctors at the hospital. 

“Security work is not easy, and officers are out there on their feet for many hours.  Your parents are working hard for you to give you a good future. Your parents have worked hard and diligently to help you get here. Never disrespect them. Be proud to be part of the Guardsman team.

“Use your time wisely. Value people and treat them well, the way you would expect them to treat you. Respect is earned, not given. To parents, the investment in your children will pay dividends. I hope all of you here today do well at High School. “

Master of Ceremonies and Guardsman Group’s Head of Operations, Francis Amir, cautioned students on the dangers of spending hours on social media platforms like TikTok. He made the point that too much time on social media reduces attention span, which impacts effective learning. He called for both parents and school children to limit their time on these platforms and spend more time reading books. 

Deputy Executive Chair, Shiela Benjamin McNeil said that Guardsman takes the role of helping the children of its employees seriously and takes pride in seeing them do well. Celebrating their success is what the Guardsman Group is about. 

Making closing remarks, Guardsman Group’s VP, Integrated Operations Area 1, Tamara Smith said, “ Parents, your commitment to your children does not begin when your shift is over. Today we celebrate the hard work of our staff’s children. And we thank parents for their sacrifices.  I would like to especially thank our Chairman for what he has made Guardsman stand for and his support to all our staff and their families.  I am reminded of what he once told me, and I tell it to you now as you all continue on your journey.” Whatever you do, do it well.”