Second-year medical student Stanley James yesterday became the first recipient of a scholarship set up in the name of the late Dr. John Stubbs.

The scholarship was set up by the UBP stalwart's colleagues to acknowledge his contributions to the medical field and Bermudian society.

Yesterday, Mr. James told The Royal Gazette that receiving the Honourable Dr.

John Stubbs Medical Scholarship had special meaning to him as "Sir John Stubbs was a significant figure in mending the social divide in this society.'' "His commitment to equality contributed significantly to a healthier Bermuda,'' added Mr. James, who attends Loma Linda University where he plans to complete his training as a medical doctor and return to Bermuda to serve as a primary care physician.

While growing up in Bermuda, Mr. James attended the Bermuda Institute and after graduating, studied at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama.

There, he received a Bachelor's degree in religion and biochemistry and then returned to the Island to teach at his high school alma mater for two years.

During his teaching years at Bermuda Institute his interest in young people led him to assist with various other youth organisations.

He was a consultant for the programme Teen Talk, liaison for the Jason Project, a debate team instructor and advisor to the Youth to Youth organisation.

With a multitude of commitments and interests Mr. James is also a trumpeter who played in the Bermuda Regiment Band, a martial arts student and table tennis competitor.

Mr. James has also become well-known as a powerful speaker for young people, not only in Bermuda but also with organisations in the Bahamas, the US and Jamaica.

"My lectures centre on values, self-respect, setting goals and cross-cultural community building,'' he explained.

"I seek to encourage young people to dream and then dream some more about how to make their dream come true.'' Mr. James said he was also concerned about the amount of young men going to jail and he lectured at Casemates on responsibility and healthy choices.

In California, he spent the last year as a mentor for inner city children. And this summer he has been given a portfolio to devise programmes for young people in the troubled area of San Bernardino county.

"My commitment in life is to service the community,'' Mr. James stressed, "a value I learned from the Seventh Day Adventist Church which has a strong emphasis on the community whilst developing in mind, body and spirit.

"Medicine gives me an opportunity to practice and teach about the good in life.''