Latest News

Photo Caption: Skylar Powell with her parents, Sivan Powell and Karensa Harper Powell

Skylar Powell, a resident of Berlin in St Elizabeth, was two years old when she started school.  From that tender age, her parents recognised that she was an extraordinary child.

“She achieved all of her milestones early. She did everything basically before other children.  Before she could even talk, we could send her for any item in the house and she would go for it,” disclosed Karensa Harper Powell, Skylar’s mother.

“When she was four, she had another year left in basic school, but we realised there was nothing more for them to offer her because she was already advanced. We tried to get her in the public school system, but she was too young, so we had to get her in a private institution. When she did her entry level test, she ‘breezed’ through everything,” related Mrs Harper Powell, a public health inspector.

Despite being two years younger than her classmates, Skylar consistently topped her class from grade one to six at Munro Preparatory.  At 10-years-old, her remarkable achievements culminated in her scoring 383.5 in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) to earn a place at Hampton School and being named the 2024 JN Foundation Parish Scholar for St Elizabeth. At her graduation, the former head girl was named the top student in all five PEP subjects and achieved the principal’s award.

Being awarded the JN Foundation scholarship was a thrilling surprise for Skylar.

“I was a hundred times happy because I never thought in the entire parish of St Elizabeth that I would be the one chosen [for the scholarship]. I did think I was capable of getting the scholarship, but my mind was just thinking that there were so many other kids in St Elizabeth that I might not have been the one chosen,” she reasoned.

In recognition of her accomplishment in the PEP, Skylar, along with 36 other students, were recognised by the JN Foundation and awarded five-year scholarships at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.  Of the 37 recipients, 14 are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who were awarded the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services at the event.

Skylar’s father, Sivan Powell, who works as a health and social care assistant at the Mannings Child Care Facility, admitted that he was initially sceptical when he received the call about the scholarship.

“Her aunt did the [scholarship] application; however, I remembered nothing about it so when I got the call, I was very puzzled,” he said, believing the call was a scam.

He pointed out that Skylar has never scored below 90 per cent since grade one and that he was confident that she would have been awarded a scholarship.

“We always saw that she had greatness in her. She is not one of those who study. She does everything at school for the most part.  Whatever she does in the classroom, she hardly ever forgets it. She has excellent memory.”

Throughout her academic journey, Skylar has been lauded not only for her brilliance but also for her character. Her grade six teacher, Francine Rochester, now acting principal, spoke highly of her.

“She’s willing, dedicated, hardworking and she always strives for the best. She takes constructive criticism very well and is willing to help her classmates when she’s finished.  She’s conscientious and always striving for excellence so she has always maintained first class honours.”

Now, Skylar has settled in at her new school, where she continues to excel, scoring 100 per cent on all her assignments done so far and immersing herself in school life. A member of the maths and art clubs, Skylar also plans to join the debate and chess clubs.

As she looks to the future, she offers advice to students preparing for PEP: “Pay attention. Always look over your notes because it gets stored in your brain.”

Skylar hopes to become a surgeon, a career dream she has had as a toddler following the pleasant experience she had in hospital after doing a hernia surgery when she was two or three years old.

Outside of her academic excellence, Skylar is an exceptional artist and enjoys playing board games like Monopoly and Sequence, video games, and lawn tennis. Her newest hobby is swimming, which she started learning this past summer while overseas. She has one brother, Richard Glennie, a sixth-form student at the BB Coke High School.

The JN Foundation scholarship is highly competitive. Some 475 applications were received through the JN Foundation’s website for this year’s award. As part of the eligibility for the scholarship, the students and/or their parents must be JN members, customers, or clients of The Jamaica National Group for at least one year.

Photo Caption: Rozan Ruddock, JN Foundation Scholar for Westmoreland, accepts her certificate and token from Parris Lyew Ayee, Chairman, JN Foundation, at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.

Rozan Ruddock, the JN Foundation Scholar for Westmoreland, established a heartwarming daily routine while in grade six at the New Horizon Preparatory.  Each day, she presented her teacher, Trisha Williams, with a note asking her wellbeing and wishing her a good day – a simple but meaningful gesture that brightened her teacher’s day and left a lasting impression.

“I miss her daily notes.  They were normally well-decorated. She would walk up to me and hand them to me. If I’m not there, she would put them on my table,” Mrs Williams recalled fondly, adding that Rozan is very quiet, reserved and doesn’t speak much.

“She is intrinsically motivated, success driven, always topping her class, very competitive, highly intelligent and her critical thinking skills are well-developed.  She has done extremely well, and we are proud of her,” Mrs Williams said.

The 13-year-old scholar scored 100 per cent in mathematics and science, her favourite subjects, and more than 90 per cent in the other subjects which earned her an overall score of 382 from a maximum of 400 points in the Primary Exit Profile thus securing a place at Mannings School, the school of her first choice.  In addition, she copped a five-year scholarship from the JN Foundation along with 36 other students, who were recognised as JN Scholars at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently. 

“I feel very proud of myself and motivated,” said Rozan, who pointed out that she has continued the family tradition attending Mannings School.  Her father, aunt and brother also attended the school.

While at New Horizon Preparatory, Rozan was very active. She was a prefect and a member of the debate club. A well-rounded student, she often represented her school in debating and track and field. Since enrolling at Mannings School, she has joined the track and field team.

She is committed to continuing her excellent academic performance in high school and gave the formula to current PEP students on how to do well.

“Work hard, keep being motivated and focus on your work,” she advised.

Rozan’s mother, Leonie Arnold-Ruddock, is deeply thankful for the scholarship, which provided welcomed support.

“The scholarship is very helpful. It has assisted in purchasing educational supplies for her, making it easier for me as a parent. Rozan wanted to get a scholarship, and she worked hard towards getting this scholarship.  She really put in the work. I knew deep down she would have achieved her goal. I’m grateful to JN for recognising her achievement,” she related.

Mrs Arnold-Ruddock, a schoolteacher, pointed out that from Grade one to six, Rozan has consistently been on the honour roll and was a top speller.

“She is outgoing and whatever she puts her mind to, she works toward achieving it.  She is jovial and self-motivated. She’s everything a parent could ask for in a daughter.”

Meanwhile, her father, Andy Ruddock, a firefighter, described Rozan as a perfectionist.

“If she is doing something, she’ll cry if she doesn’t get it perfect.  She is a nice child to be around. I feel proud because it [the scholarship] is motivation for her.  It is a stepping stone for greatness,” he maintains.

Rozan is the second of two children for her parents. Her brother is a firefighter like her father. She enjoys swimming and reading and plans to pursue a career in law. 

The JN Foundation scholarship is a highly sought-after award, attracting 475 applications through the Foundation’s website this year. To be eligible, applicants or their parents must have been members, customers, or clients of The Jamaica National Group for a minimum of one year.

In addition to the 14 scholarships presented to top PEP achievers in every parish, 14 others were recognised as parish scholars, three received the JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships, and 20, children of JN Group employees, earned the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for achieving a placement score of 320 or higher. Additionally, JN Money Services awarded one-time grants to 10 students during the event.

Since its launch in 1983, the JN Scholarship Programme has provided financial support to hundreds of students, enabling them to pursue their secondary education.

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (second right), general manager of the JN Foundation presents a plaque to Charmaine McKenzie (centre), manager of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation Port Antonio branch after outfitting a computer laboratory with equipment. Sharing in the moment from left are Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation; Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and Denise Treasure, president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter.

The capacity of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, located in Port Antonio, Portland, has been strengthened with a donation of computers and chairs to outfit its existing computer lab.

The donation was facilitated by the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and financed by the JN Foundation to the tune of $1.5 million.

Prior to the donation, the centre had no computer equipment and students were only being taught the theories of information technology. The upgraded facility aims to empower young women with practical technological skills and foster opportunities for their advancement, particularly those who faced disruptions on their educational journey.

Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the JN Foundation and its commitment to empowering young mothers through education and vocational training.

Ms Howell, in her remarks at a handover ceremony at the centre recently, expressed gratitude for the donation and continued collaboration with the JN Circle Port Antonio and the JN Foundation.

“We are immensely grateful to the JN Circle and JN Foundation for recognising our needs and stepping in to provide these resources,” said Ms Howell. “This partnership is truly a reflection of the power of community and collaboration.”

“There’s no limit to what we can accomplish together. With partners like JN, we are confident that we can and will transform the lives of even more young mothers across Jamaica.”

She also underscored the ongoing partnership with the JN Foundation and disclosed that the Foundation has provided critical resources, including furniture, equipment, and other necessities, for the centre in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, and now Port Antonio.

Ms Howell proudly shared that the JN Foundation has not only supported the physical infrastructure of these centres but also contributed significantly to the development of educational programmes.

“In 2023, the JN Foundation donated $50,000 to our education and in-stream programme, which provides training, mentorship, and scholarships for our young mothers,” she noted.

Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter, was excited that the project was completed successfully. “It is truly rewarding to see the smiles on the young ladies’ faces as they prepare to embark on this new chapter with the resources we’ve provided,” Rodgers said.

Ms Rodgers shared, “In 2023, when it was time for project selection, this initiative for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation was voted as the top priority. We wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact on young women, providing them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.”

She proudly stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of something that can make a real difference in the lives of young women in our community.” The successful completion of this project is not just a milestone for the JN Circle but a testament to the transformative power of collective action.”

A grateful Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, underscored that the partnership led to the initiative’s success. She acknowledged the contributions of the JN Circle members who identified the needs and worked with the JN Foundation to fill those gaps sustainably.

“This project represents an outcome of true partnership,” she noted, emphasising the foundation’s long-standing commitment to keeping communities at the heart of its development efforts.

She pointed out, however, that there is much more work to be done, signalling a continued focus on future partnerships and projects.

Ms Allen praised the Port Antonio chapter for their dedication and vision. “This is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose,” she remarked. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that empower individuals and uplift entire communities.”

Since its inception in 1978, the Women Centre of Jamaica Foundation has assisted more than 55,000 women, supporting them with resources and guidance to continue their education and personal development. Ms Howell said that the newly established computer lab will serve as a vital tool in this mission, offering courses in information technology to equip participants with essential digital skills for the modern workforce.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the JN Foundation and JN Circle chapters across Jamaica to identify and address pressing community needs.

Photo Caption: Kemesha Clarke (left), public relations officer for the Goshen Community Development Committee (CDC), points out the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl to the Goshen Postal Agency while standing inside the affected building with Hyacinth Greaves (right), a resident of Goshen and member of the JN Circle Santa Cruz chapter.

Three months after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in sections of St Elizabeth, residents of Goshen, particularly pensioners and PATH beneficiaries who rely on the postal agency for their survival, are still feeling the effects.

The category four hurricane that brushed the island on July 3 severely damaged the roof of the postal agency, forcing its closure and the relocation of its operations to the Pepper and Santa Cruz post offices.

The disruption has not only created a significant inconvenience for those who rely on the mail services, but has also halted a vital connection for farmers in the community, who also used the postal agency to consult with specialists from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) weekly.

“This facility serves so many persons in and outside of Goshen, so we’d be more than happy to have it back here to serve our community members instead of them taking a taxi out to Santa Cruz to pick up mail or go out to the RADA office. RADA came here once per week. Also, the Post Mistress sometimes takes her lunch time to bring stuff to the vulnerable and it is more difficult for her to leave Pepper to come to them now,” said Kemesha Clarke, public relations officer for the Goshen Community Development Committee.

Hyacinth Greaves, a resident of Goshen and member of the JN Circle Santa Cruz chapter agreed that the relocation has resulted in a great inconvenience for the community. She explained that while those with vehicles manage, many, particularly the elderly and those without transportation, face added hardships, as the nearest options for the services are now four to six miles away.

“It’s not easy. For those who are vulnerable and those who are sick. They just aren’t able to do it. Some of them do have help in terms of asking a friend or neighbour to collect their mail, but the community would still like to collect their mail in their own community here in Goshen. We really would like to have our postal agency back up and running as quickly as possible,” Ms Greaves said.

She said although there are options to receive utility bills and other information via digital channels, the community is home to a large elderly population who lack the skills and resources to use the technology.

“Some of them are still using their old banger phones and some don’t know how to use online banking and things like that and so we need to remember them. We are seeking the cooperation of those who can help and assist to do so,” she pleaded.

Recognising the importance of the communal space for the community, the JN Group, through the JN Foundation, has targeted the postal agency as one of the beneficiaries for support through the I Support Jamaica Fund, to help with its restoration and strengthen the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“Even as the government identifies funds and steps in to support institutions, many continue to face significant challenges. The need is just so great. Places like the Goshen Postal Agency are where we are trying to intervene to pull attention to their need and to of course attract funding to assist,” shared Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, in a recent interview on the St Elizabeth-based community radio station, GT Reggae Radio.

The JN Group launched the I Support Jamaica Fund shortly after the passage of the hurricane to help schools and communal spaces recover from Hurricane Beryl. Donations are still being encouraged. Persons can donate to the fund at JN Bank Jamaica to account number: 2094768349. Details on more ways to donate are also on the JN Group and JN Foundation websites.

“We have made some donations already, courtesy of JN Money and we are making a final push for the month of October and we hope to wrap it up and hand over the funds to the beneficiaries shortly thereafter. We hope to get them in the hands of the beneficiaries in time for Christmas,” Ms Allen said.

The Goshen Sports Complex, another vital communal space, in St Elizabeth also suffered significant damage from the hurricane and is also targeted for support.

“Our efforts are also focused on helping to restore this vital space, so it can once again serve as a place of connection, comfort, and shared memories,” said Ms Allen.

Twelve-year-old Xia Williams, a first-form student at Titchfield High School in Portland, beamed with pride as she accepted her scholarship award. For her, it was a testament to the hard work she had put in.

She was one of 37 students honoured as JN Primary Exit Profile, PEP, scholars by the JN Foundation at a ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Sunday, October 6.

Each student was recognised for their outstanding achievements. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “I was so excited,” her joy and pride shining through as she received the prestigious award alongside her fellow high achievers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony, urged the students to make a mark during their high school years.

“Excellence is within your reach and remember excellence is a habit, that you feed [so it] grows. Feed that habit of excellence, feed your discipline, feed the culture of hard work and appreciation and not entitlement and understand that you can blossom where you are planted,” she said.

Dr Troupe who is also a former JN Scholar told the students that she didn’t go to a preparatory school or traditional high school, but she worked hard and is a testament that anyone can excel if they put their mind to it.

“I am testifying today of the ordinariness who turned out to be extraordinary. Do not let anyone blow out your candle. Light your candle, light that spark bigger and brighter and go light the world,” she said.

Held under the theme ‘Nourish your spark’, Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, urged the recipients to also feed their curiosity.

“You are scholars; therefore, you never stop learning, as the more you expose yourself to new ideas, people, and experiences, the brighter your spark will burn. Read, ask questions, and seek out what excites and challenges you,” he charged.

Mr Lyew-Ayee informed that the Jamaica National Group’s commitment to education has gone beyond monetary assistance.

“Remember, this scholarship is not just a reward for your past achievements but an investment in your future endeavours. We have great faith in your potential and look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions you will make to society,” he said.

A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. Of the amount, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and 20 to children of JN Group staff members who received the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.

Last year, the scholarship programme celebrated 40 years since its establishment. Over the years, The Jamaica National Group has provided financial support for other educational and youth development initiatives, such as the Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee competition, child-month initiatives undertaken by the National Child Month Committee, and the Ministry of Education and Youth’s National Youth Month activities.

The JN Foundation has also invested millions in educational transformation initiatives, such as the Centres of Excellence and iLead programs, both targeted at improving leadership in rural-based underperforming schools.

Since 2001, The JN Group has maintained a financial literacy program, the JN School Savers Programme, at the basic, primary, and secondary levels to foster sound money management practices among children and, since 2013, launched the JN Wise Aspiring Youth Programme, JN WAY, which promotes financial literacy and personal development skills for tertiary students and young adults.