Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Lichelle Wilson, the daughter of Sergeant Cleveland Wilson, who was killed while getting a haircut in Bushy Park, Clarendon, in July, says she has lost more than a father.

However, she says his memory propels her to achieve her career goal of becoming a chartered accountant.

Sergeant Wilson had always wanted to see his daughter pursue tertiary studies.

Yesterday, his dreams came true when Lichelle received a four-year scholarship valued at $150,000 per annum to pursue studies at the University of Technology (UTech).

50 awardees

The scholarship, sponsored jointly by the Ministry of National Security and the Jamaica Police Federation, has been awarded to 50 students whose parents are rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

In an interview with The Gleaner, Lichelle says it was her father who told her about the scholarship when she expressed the desire to study at UTech.

"He was saying, seeing that you have good grades, it would be easy for you to get the scholarship, so I was thinking about it and was really excited because I got really happy knowing that there was a chance for me to go to university and I would not have to work first," she said.

She says the scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for the children of police personnel to excel.

he would've been proud

Lichelle says it would have been a proud moment for her father if he were alive to see her receiving the scholarship.

"During that time (just before his death), we were getting ready for school, excited and all, not knowing that for an event like this he could not be here with me," she said, struggling to contain her emotions.

"At times when I am down you know you cry sometimes, I just want to make him proud as I have always done because he was my motivation from school from I was in grade one."

She says friends and support from family, particularly her mother, have kept her strong.

"He just wanted to ensure that we have everything for school and that is why I miss him so much because he was more than just a father."

Sergeant Wilson was hailed by his colleagues as a hard-working and efficient policeman.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com