Shell West Invests $40K in Scholarships for University of The Bahamas Students
6th November 2026
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Shell Western Supply and Trading Ltd. (Shell West) is continuing to partner with University of The Bahamas to expand opportunities for students to earn undergraduate degrees in areas of national need.
Over the next three years, the company is funding $40,000 in scholarships for the Shell West Powering Progress Scholarship Award benefitting students pursuing studies in finance, economics, law, business management, communications, environmental science and engineering. All of these disciplines are integral to building stronger institutions, businesses and communities.
UB and Shell officials signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday 4th November as UB observes ten years as a chartered university. Student success and alumni achievements have defined the institution’s contributions to national development.
“A scholarship can make it possible for a young person to remain in university, complete a degree and pursue a dream that might otherwise have seemed out of reach,” said UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III.
“But imagine what happens when that support is accompanied by an internship that provides practical experience, a mentor who shares professional wisdom, or an introduction that opens the door to a career opportunity. That’s when the investment in education multiplies.”
The scholarships will be awarded based on merit and includes academic retention requirements, with preference given to qualified students from the Family Islands who demonstrate financial need. Scholars will be awarded $5,000 for one academic year to assist with textbooks, instructional supplies, meals, and housing support.
Shell West’s Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Teixeira drew a direct link between investing in education and creating opportunities for future generations.
“At Shell West, we believe being a good corporate citizen means more than conducting business successfully. Our responsibility extends beyond the workplace and into the communities where we live and work,” Mr. Teixeira said.
He noted that The Bahamas is home to exceptional talent and that young people often need greater access to opportunities to develop their skills and realize their potential.
“Whether a student comes from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Eleuthera or any other part of The Bahamas, financial circumstances should not be the factor that determines how far their talent can take them. We hope this scholarship helps remove some of those barriers and opens doors for deserving young Bahamians,” he added.
Shell West has been actively involved in student success, experiential learning, mentorship and community-building. This new award will help develop talent for national progress, something that UB’s Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Kandice Weech heralded.
“Shell West continues to provide internships and career opportunities for our students and graduates. One shining example is Kristina Dames, an alumna of our College of Business, now a Crude Analyst at Shell West, a testament to the power of higher education and corporate partnership, and the value of a UB degree,” she said.
As UB marks a decade as a chartered university, the partnership is another investment in a mission that is inextricably linked to the future of The Bahamas.
From left are: Shell West Commercial Operations Manager Tareco Johnson, Senior Legal Counsel Jurriaan Jongsma, CEO Rodrigo Teixeira, UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, and Corporate and Foundation Relations Executive Director Kandice Weech.
UB President Dr. Robert Blaine and Shell West CEO Rodrigo Teixeira sign MOU.
Corporate and Foundation Relations Executive Director, UB, Kandice Weech gives remarks.
Shell West CEO Rodrigo Teixeira (centre) gives remarks.
From left to right: Shell West Commercial Operations Manager Tareco Johnson, Senior Legal Counsel Jurriaan Jongsma, CEO Rodrigo Teixeira, Scholarship Recipients, UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, Corporate and Foundation Relations Executive Director Kandice Weech, Development and Alumni Affairs, Asst. Vice President Felicity Humblestone, Corporate and Foundation Relations Sr. Manager Inga Bostwick and Shell West Compliance Advisor Yannick Rodgers.
UB President Dr. Robert Blaine shake hands with Shell West CEO Rodrigo Teixeira.
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University of The Bahamas
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P.O. Box N-4912
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Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
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