The Students' Loan Bureau has helped thousands of Jamaicans attain higher education and improve their lot in life. The institution had its genesis all the way back in 1971 and The Gleaner was there for it.

Published March 31, 1971 

Student Loan Fund Bill Gets 1st Reading

First Reading of the Bill to establish a Student Loan Fund, as well as the machinery to administer it, was taken in the House of Representatives yesterday.

This is the fund for which Jamaica has obtained an international loan to finance higher education for certain Jamaican students.

The Hon. Edward Seaga, Minister of Finance, who organised the setting up of the loan fund introduced the Bill in the House.

Three other Bills were introduced in the House yesterday. They were An Act to amend the Bank of Jamaica Law; An Act to provide for the regulation of hours of opening for craft markets, tourist shops and curio shops; and An Act to repeal the Victoria Craft Market Law.

Horse Racing

Other business done by the House was the answering by Mr. Seaga of a Question asked by Mr. David Coore, the Opposition spokesman of Finance, concerning receipts by the government from horse-racing.

Notice of motions was given by Mr. C. A. Stanhope (J.L.P.), West Hanover) and Mr. Elon Wilson (P.N.P.), North-west St. Ann).

Notice of questions was given by Mr. Florizel Glasspole (P.N.P.), East Kingston and Port Royal).

Debate started on a Bill to amend the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, moved by the Hon. Roy McNeil, Minister of Home Affairs, relative to the operation of coin-operated slot machines – “one-armed bandits” – in the island.

Further consideration of this Bill was deferred as a result of legal points raised by Mr. Vivian Blake (P.N.P., South-east St. Elizabeth).

Major  business of the day – as reported separately – was the debate on the motion by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Michael Manley, seeking to censure the Government over the 1970 Census in relation to non-publication of the number of electors in constituences.

The House sat into the evening to conclude this debate, in which Mr. Seaga made the reply for the Government, since the 1970 Census came under his Ministry.

Adjournment was taken at 10:35 p.m. until next week Tuesday at 2:15 p.m.