Abka Fitz-Henley (right) with National Commercial Bank chairman, Michael Lee-Chin. - Contributed

Hailing from a poor financial background but having the desire to pursue law would mean taking hefty sums of money in loans to offset the huge cost or diverting interest to some other field. But with the help of sponsor-ships, a bright spark from humble beginnings will be able to shine without resorting to either of the above options.

Abka Fitz-Henley's desire to study law stems from his distinct interest in the legal field. However, his financial background could have acted as a hindrance had it not been for some timely assistance from corporate Jamaica.

"I would have had to pursue (the option of a) student loan which is a difficult factor as law is expensive," Fitz-Henley responded when asked how he would have managed without the sponsorships.

"For the first year it was $200,000 but for the second and third years, when you include boarding and stuff, it nearly cost a million dollars. Then you have to go back to Norman Manley (Law School) the other two years and that's another hefty sum.

Indictment

"Taking a student loan to do law is like an indictment because you have to take a lifetime to pay it back. And it affects how you are able to function after school or even contribute to society, because you have this loan on your head," he added.

Due to his academic credentials, the scholar who is now in his second year reading law, was able to secure a scholarship from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation coupled with an offer from Douglas Halsall of Advanced Integrated System.

Fitz-Henley noted that he looked up to the chairman of NCB, Michael Lee-Chin.

"Having conversed with the man, his genuine passion and commitment to play his role in rescuing Jamaica stands out," he said.

He disclosed, however, that after the award from NCB, there was a significant shortfall which Halsall made up.

In addition to the two, Abka gave credit to Public Defender W. Earl Witter, head of Norman Manley Law School, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, as well as family and friends who helped him to beat the odds to pursue his career.

Greatest debt

"For me, this is further inspiration as I believe that the greatest debt one may incur is a promise to do good," he added.

Abka has been excelling since age 12. At that time, he was celebrating his success in six GCE and CSEC subjects including mathematics and English. For the youngster who was home-schooled, achievements went further two years later, when he pursued the sciences, bringing the number of subjects to 13. He then went on to do sixth-form at Ardenne High, where he sat his A' Levels so that he could matriculate at law school.

The valedictorian for Ardenne was vice-president of the students' council and captain of the debating team. He won more than 16 best speaker awards.

In 2007, he represented the Caribbean at the Presidential Classroom in Washington D.C., where he received a standing ovation.