A journalist has decided to make news himself and challenge the Education Ministry to explain why black males did not get scholarships this year.

Emerson College broadcasting student Glen Jones -- a familiar face on ZBM Evening news -- has written a furious letter to The Royal Gazette complaining about the absence of black males among recipients of the Ministry's top award.

Mr. Jones noted that of the scholarship winners who attended, six were female and one was male and there were no black males.

He called this a "crucial concern'' and added he was certain black males were among winners of the lesser awards.

But Education Minister Tim Smith, although sympathetic, last night said the one student who did not attend was a black male.

"I know Glen and if I were in his shoes, I too would be furious,'' Mr. Smith said. "It also disturbs me that not one of the successful candidates is from the public system. That's precisely what we intend to address in the future.'' This week Mr. Smith awarded eight $12,500 scholarships and a total of $1.34 million in grants, awards, and loans.

He said more than 250 students received scholarships, teacher training awards, interest free loans, UK fee differential, or Further Education awards for lesser amounts.

Mr. Jones, former Berkeley Institute head boy, said the letter is for parents of black males who attended government schools.

He asked if it was Government's intent to tell parents to withdraw their children from public schools if they want their child to be a Government scholar.

"The Ministry showed mothers with young black boys that the Ministry isn't interested in helping their sons get a top-notch education,'' he added.

Mr. Jones said: "The ministry also showed those same mothers that if they send their child to one of its public schools, he won't become a Government scholar.'' "How dare you allow a recipient pool that the Education Ministry did not even educate walk away with the top prizes?'' he asked.

Mr. Jones said he wanted to avoid a perception of bias and chose the print medium rather than the electronic.

Last night, he declined to be further interviewed, saying: "The letter speaks for itself.'' Mr. Jones also avoided knocking the minister -- whom he calls a "class character'' -- or the recipients who he said he is sure are deserving candidates.

Mr. Jones is downbeat about Government policy, saying: "All the options are closed. Our own Government is crippling young black minds.'' In another letter to Mr. Smith and copied to The Royal Gazette , Mr. Jones details his qualifications and that he will graduate next May without receiving "one red cent'' in Government scholarship money.

Mr. Jones details his achievements, including being on the Dean's List every semester with a 3.71 grade point average, honour society membership, and presidency of the college's Black Student Organisation.

He said: "I am really furious about this. I feel a little betrayed by the system that educated me. I do this so that next year the most easily forgotten group is not so easily forgotten again.'' Mr. Jones concludes: "He allowed a grave injustice to happen during his watch. And perhaps he doesn't even know what he's done.'' Last night Mr. Smith said the Ministry intends to ensure success for all, male and female.

He added: "It is equally disturbing that there were only two males regardless of race.'' Mr. Smith explained the selection of candidates is done by a committee of the Education Board and they might not even see most candidates.

He said the applications do not account for race and more than 57 unsuccessful candidates for the scholarship received one of the other awards.

EDUCATION ED