Photo Caption: Claudine Allen, third right at the back, general manager of the JN Foundation, and Parris Lyew-Ayee, (second right, back row), chairman of the JN Foundation take a group photo with last year’s scholarship recipients of JN Group members of staff.
On Sunday, October 6, the JN Foundation will formally award 37 five-year scholarships, and 10 one-time grants to students who excelled in this year’s Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam, at its annual scholarship awards ceremony scheduled for the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Claudine Allen, general manager at the JN Foundation, notes that the annual event recognises Jamaica’s brightest young minds and celebrates the achievements of new scholars, while emphasising The Jamaica National’s commitment to investing in Jamaica’s future through education and personal development.
“At The Jamaica National Group, we firmly believe that education is the foundation upon which great nations are built. The awards are a part of our wider investments in programmes that enrich the lives of our young people and builds communities nationally,” she said.
Of the 47, 37 will be five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and, 20 to children of JN Group staff members who will receive the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards will be one-time grants and will be presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.
“The Foundation’s work is fueled by collaboration with entities within the JN Group. And we act on purpose to foster excellence both within and outside the organisation,” she added, noting that the Scholarship Programme provides capacity development opportunities that build the character of the awardees over the five-year period, and celebrates continued academic excellence through a Top of the Class awards to high performers, annually.
The incoming awardees join more than 150 other high school students who benefit annually from the JN Foundation Scholarship programme.
The newcomers will be celebrated and encouraged to thrive through the theme ‘Nourish Your Spark’, at this year’s awards reception. Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr Kasan Troupe, is slated to be the guest speaker at the ceremony.
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 programmes, both targeted at improving leadership in rural-based underperforming schools.
Since 2001, The JN Group has maintained a financial literacy programme, 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.
Earl Jarrett (right) chief executive officer (CEO), The Jamaica National Group, and Parris Lyew-Ayee (left), chairman of the JN Foundation, congratulate Najae Murray, the inaugural recipient of the historic Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, during a courtesy call on the CEO at the Group’s corporate office on August 22.
A scholarship named in honour of the late Oliver F Clarke, former Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, is now open for applications. Persons are being invited to apply for the 2025 Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship, the first Chevening Partner Award to be established in Jamaica, made possible through a two-year Memorandum of Understanding between the British High Commission and The Jamaica National Group.
The prestigious, fully funded scholarship supports a Jamaican scholar pursuing a master’s degree at a university in the United Kingdom in key fields such as social justice, public administration, data analytics, information technology, actuarial science, mathematics, and education.
Interested persons can apply for the scholarship via the Chevening website, https://www.chevening.org, The Jamaica National Group website at www.jngroup.com, or the JN Foundation website at www.jnfoundation.com. The closing date for applications is November 3.
JN Group employees and their immediate family members are not eligible for the scholarship, however, they may apply for other scholarships awarded by Chevening via https://www.chevening.org.
The inaugural award was presented to Najae Murray, Director of Public Relations and Communication at the University Council of Jamaica in August. Mr Murray will be studying Education and International Development at the University College London.
During Mr Murray’s recent courtesy call, Chief Executive Officer of The Jamaica National Group, Earl Jarrett, juxtaposed Mr Clarke’s life and his areas of focus with the scholarship programme.
“Mr Clarke pursued his tertiary education in the UK. Similar to the requirement for the award recipient to return home to use the knowledge gained to help to build their home country, Mr Clarke also returned home after his period of study and contributed to the growth of Jamaica.”
“The Chevening programme is focused on helping to identify, train and foster future leaders, which is similar to what Mr Clarke did. He was a serial mentor through his mentorship of young Jamaicans who demonstrate leadership potential,” he added.
Mr Jarrett also related that Mr Clarke was an advocate for the people of Jamaica who used all his skills and access to improve the lives of people. He believed in education, good public policy and founded many organisations to promote public programmes.
Claudine Allen, General Manager, JN Foundation, pointed out that as part of the two-year partnership agreement, one scholarship will be awarded each year, enabling an exceptional Jamaican student to pursue academic excellence in the United Kingdom and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to drive transformation in Jamaica and beyond.
“By supporting exceptional Jamaican students through the Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship, we are investing in future leaders who will bring innovative solutions and positive change to Jamaica and the wider region. This initiative not only honours the legacy of Mr Clarke, but also aligns with our mission to foster academic excellence and create opportunities for impactful global learning,” Ms Allen said.
“Mr Clarke dedicated his life to championing critical areas of Jamaica’s development, such as education and social justice and, for more than five decades, played a leading role in the growth of media and banking in the region,” she added.
A requirement of the Chevening/Oliver F Clarke scholarship, is that the award recipient must return to Jamaica to contribute their enhanced skills to the country’s development.
Photo Caption: Earl Jarrett (right) chief executive officer (CEO), The Jamaica National Group, and Parris Lyew-Ayee (left), chairman of the JN Foundation, congratulate Najae Murray, the inaugural recipient of the historic Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, during a courtesy call on the CEO at the Group’s corporate office on August 22.
Late last year when Najae Murray submitted his application for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, he did so with little expectation, being fully aware of the intense competition associated with the award.
“I know of others who have attempted two and three times before getting through, so I was quite surprised that I had gotten through,” said Mr Murray, director of public relations and communication at the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).
Against all odds, he emerged the recipient of the historic Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, the first Chevening partner award to be established in Jamaica. The fully funded scholarship is named in honour of the late Oliver F Clarke, former chairman of The Jamaica National Group and The Gleaner Company.
Mr Murray was selected from a pool of 17 applicants pursuing the specific course of study eligible for the Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship. Close to 300 applications for the scholarship awards were received locally for this academic year. He is one of 13 successful Chevening scholarship applicants from Jamaica who will be pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
During Mr Murray’s recent courtesy call on The Jamaica National Group, Chief Executive Officer of The Jamaica National Group, Earl Jarrett, juxtaposed Mr Clarke’s life and his areas of focus with the scholarship programme.
“Mr Clarke pursued his tertiary education in the UK. Similar to the requirement for the award recipient to return home to use the knowledge gained to help to build their home country, Mr Clarke also returned home after his period of study and contributed to the growth of Jamaica.”
“The Chevening programme is focused on helping to identify, train and foster future leaders, which is similar to what Mr Clarke did. He was a serial mentor through his mentorship of young Jamaicans who demonstrate leadership potential,” he added.
Mr Jarrett also pointed out that Mr Clarke was an advocate for the people of Jamaica who used all his skills and access to improve the lives of people. He believed in education, good public policy and founded many organisations to promote public programmes.
Like his benefactor, Mr Clarke, Mr Murray is a staunch advocate for higher education to create social and economic change.
Najae Murray, the recipient of the historic Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, the first Chevening partner award to be established in Jamaica, looks at a banner of Oliver F Clarke, former chairman of The Jamaica National Group and The Gleaner Company.
“My work at the UCJ has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of education and training. This experience has fuelled my passion to delve deeper into the study of education and development, as I believe that quality education is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress,” said Mr Murray.
He has been committed to advancing educational opportunities and developing leadership skills of people to drive positive change in their careers, having also worked as an adjunct assistant lecturer at The University of the West Indies and as a public relations officer with e-Learning Jamaica Ltd.
“I believe that education and training are the cornerstones of individual empowerment and national development. They equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. Accessibility to quality education and training ensures that every person, regardless of their background, can realise their fullest potential. This inclusivity not only promotes equity but also fosters a diverse and skilled workforce, which is essential for innovation and sustainable development,” he stressed.
“By embarking on this Chevening/Oliver F Clarke journey, my aim is to make education and training accessible to all, I would like to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and resilient nation, where progress is driven by the collective achievements of its people.”
Mr Murray is optimistic that his course of study will enrich his academic and professional journey while equipping him with the critical skills and knowledge needed to make a significant impact in the field of education.
“The programme includes modules such as ‘Education and International Development: Concepts, Theories and Issues’, which will enable me to analyse and address the myriad of challenges we are experiencing in our education systems as it overtly links education to international development,” he indicated.
He also emphasised that other modules in the programme such as “Planning for Education and Development” and “Higher Education: Comparative and International Perspectives” will be beneficial in helping him to provide greater support of the strategic planning efforts of the UCJ thus enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Jamaica’s higher education system.
“Upon returning to Jamaica, I hope to bring fresh insights to support the development of initiatives and partnerships that are in alignment with the UCJ’s mission, chief among which will be to identify opportunities for growth through innovative business strategies. My goal is to attract additional resources and partnerships to further the UCJ’s mission by repositioning the UCJ as not only a regulatory body but also as a thought leader in education,” he pointed out.
Najae Murray, (second right) shares the spotlight with from left: Tameka Wilson, friend; Radcliffe Blackwood, stepfather; Georgia Blackwood, mother; Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation; and Arianna Blackwood, sister. The occasion was a courtesy call on the chief executive officer of The Jamaica National Group, Hon Earl Jarrett, at the Group’s corporate office on August 22.
A Ferncourt High alumnus who hails from Ocho Rios, St Ann, Mr Murray credits Arianna, his only sibling and best friend, a 13-year-old second form student at St Hildas High, as the source of his success.
“Though she is a little sister, she has always provided that inspiration that I must do good in the world to provide a world for her to be great in. She has always been that source of inspiration to continue to press on, to keep going. I was never born bright but she was, so I have to keep up,” he said with a chuckle. “She always pushed me to go further. The big shoes that I have to fill were given to me by her.”
Arianna is proud of her brother, whom she likened to a parent. Like the proverbial ‘peas in a pod’, they have always maintained an extraordinary relationship. “He is a very helpful and resourceful person. Even when he is busy, he makes time for me. He gives advice when you don’t know what to do.”
His mother, Georgia Blackwood, an insurance agent and business operator, and stepfather, Radcliffe Blackwood, a crane operator, are thrilled about his accomplishment.
“We are very ecstatic, we are so proud of him,” said Mrs Blackwood. “Najae is very deserving of the scholarship. He is hardworking, he is the person everyone comes to when they need help for schoolwork or advice. From Najae was a child, I knew he was special. I’ve never had an issue with discipline. He has always been a dedicated young man who knew what he wanted. It’s important as parents to stand behind our children and that’s what his stepfather and I did for him and he just blossomed.”
Since the inception of the Chevening Scholarship 40 years ago, 60,000 persons around the world, more than 315 of them Jamaicans, have benefitted.
The Young Men’s Christian Association’s (YMCA) computer laboratory is now better equipped to house computer equipment as its cooling facility has been improved with the donation of two air condition units by the Spanish Town Chapter of the JN Circle.
Anna Dallas, principal of the institution, was elated to receive the donation and said that it would also protect the computers in the laboratory.
“Before, we had to work in the heat, and during the summer months the temperatures are really very high and can be very uncomfortable. The units donated will help to preserve our systems especially those that have outlived their time and will help to keep them a little longer,” she said during the recent handover of the units.
INSTITUTION SELECTED BASED ON NEED
The air condition units were donated by the JN Foundation, through the JN Circle.The facility was recommended for funding by the JN Circle, Spanish Town chapter.
T’Anna Dallas, a member of the JN Circle, Spanish Town chapter, said the institution was selected for funding because of the need and the educational benefits to students attending the YMCA.
“You were chosen as a recipient of this donation to facilitate the efficient running of you computer laboratory,” she said at the handover.
“I hope that you take care of the units that have been donated. It is a form of investment in you. You are our future and we are happy to be investing in you.”
“We not only serve the community, the community also serves us because we do operate a business. We have a lot of initiatives that come through our JN Foundation and we were happy to have gifted the YMCA with the units.”Ariel Sinclair, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, Spanish Town.
The JN Circle comprises a network of JN members and customers of member companies within the JN Group, who bond together through community building, advocacy and networking.
Ariel Sinclair, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, Spanish Town, said he felt privileged to be associated with the donation and highlighted that the JN Foundation, the charitable arm of The Jamaica National Group, always seeks out opportunities to improve the communities in which it operates.
“We not only serve the community, the community also serves us because we do operate a business. We have a lot of initiatives that come through our JN Foundation and we were happy to have gifted the YMCA with the units,” he noted.
The JN Foundation last year issued a call to JN Circle chapters for submission of community building project proposals, offering grant funding of up to $1.5 million.
PLEASED TO BE INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Dawnette Pryce-Thompson, project coordinator at the JN Foundation, noted that the organisation was pleased to be investing in the young people.
“A project of this nature will preserve the shelf life of the information technology equipment in the school’s computer laboratory, and will also provide a conducive environment for learning for our young boys,” she said.
Pryce-Thompson added that the concept of the JN Circle enables members at the community level to partner with JN and other stakeholders to enrich lives and build communities.
“Residents of Spanish Town, and members of JN Bank Spanish Town, came together to lobby for the YMCA. It is a powerful partnership,” she declared.
Representatives of the Port Maria Hospital in St Mary were elated to receive a donation of medical equipment from the JN Foundation.
The equipment, which comprise an ECG machine, 10 Pulse oximeters, six digital thermometers, a vital signs monitor and a hospital lamp and stand were funded by a grant provided from the JN Foundation.
“JN has always been working with us and to see that we have put forth this project to them, requesting equipment to enhance healthcare and that it has been approved, I can say that we are overjoyed and for sure this will enhance service delivery for our patients,” said Lorraine Brown-Wright, chief executive officer of the Port Maria Hospital.
Dr Powell Sydney, senior medical officer at the Port Maria Hospital, underscored the importance of partnership with the private sector, as he noted that the health sector is in need of critical equipment to improve healthcare.
“These partnerships are clearly critical for us because there is no way that gap can be closed without benefactors and in particular one of the measures… [used to determine] whether a country is developed is actually [the] maternal mortality ratio, which reflects the care that we give to women,” he said.
Dr Sydney noted that there has been a significant decrease in the death rate of women. He said the equipment requested will assist the hospital in managing the care of these patients and other persons with chronic lifestyle diseases.
Jennifer Martin, board director of the JN Foundation, said the JN Foundation was pleased to make the donation of critical equipment that will improve the service offered by the hospital to the general public. The idea to fund the project was presented by the Ocho Rios, Port Maria and Gayle chapter of the JN Circle network.
“The Port Maria Hospital is an important institution in this region, serving not only St Mary, but parts of St Ann, Portland and St Catherine, said Mrs Martin. “Therefore, when the JN Circle recommended that critical equipment be purchased for the hospital, having done an assessment to ascertain your needs, we were happy to support”.
“Today’s donation will assist with the achievement of the Vision 2030 national development goals, as it will improve access to high quality healthcare in the parish of St Mary and communities in other parishes,” she added.
Orlene McNeish, president of the JN Circle Ocho Rios, Port Maria and Gayle chapter, said that the hospital was selected for the donation because of the need for the equipment to improve health care.
“Another thing that has struck me over the past year and preceding years is that we are seeing a flight of medical personnel and we know that we have the best. We do not want to see [our medical staff] leaving Port Maria Hospital. Today, we are bringing in equipment that is going to make the jobs [medical staff] easier and so you can attract well needed talents,” she said.
“So instead of seeing resignations, we want you to see resumes coming into Port Maria Hospital. That is part of the dream and the vision we have for the parish,” she added.
The JN Foundation last year issued a call for proposals for projects that will improve communities. The Foundation committed up to $1.5 million in financing available for each project. The Port Maria Hospital was one of seven projects that were awarded grants.The projects covered a range of social development, education and health initiatives in communities across six parishes.
Orlando Lewinson (second right), acting business relationship and sales manager for JN Bank Lucea and Savanna-la-Mar branches presents tablets to Andria Dehaney-Grant (left), principal of Maryland Infant and Primary School and Kaceion Blackford, student at the school. Lissia Robotham of JN Bank shares in the moment. The school received 25 tablets from the JN Foundation through the JN Circle Lucea chapter following a submission for funding from the JN Foundation.
The community of Cross Keys in southern Manchester is poised to boost its agro-processing facility following the donation of critical equipment that will aid in expanding the production of plantain chips and creating employment for the community.
The two pieces of equipment include a deep fryer and commercial slicer, were donated by the JN Foundation through the JN Circle and presented to the community, recently.
Smeadly Reid, chairman of the Cross Keys Development Area Committee said that the agro-processing facility has been in operation since 2016 where it has been producing plantain chips, but due to challenges with the equipment, production fell.
He said with the new equipment production will be able to move up by 60 per cent or more. “Surely we will be able to improve our production and many more farmers will benefit as we will need more produce,” he said.
Mr Reid informed that farmers in neighbouring Manchester communities, such as Woodland, Resort, Cocoa Walk and Porus will also benefit.
“We were only able to produce twice for the month, but with the new equipment we will be able to produce more often,” he said.
Mr Reid disclosed that the facility will also be able to diversify to produce cassava and sweet potato chips.
The JN Foundation also presented a pavilion stand where members of the community can be comfortably seated when watching sports and other community activities. Mr Reid noted that residents from four communities, comprising 25 districts, utilise the facility, which hosts community sporting leagues annually.
“The pavilion stand has begun to be impactful as it is now being used by community members who comfortably watch sporting events,” he said. “In that regard, the potential is great. We know that many persons will find it more comfortable to be spectators for the sporting activities.”
Alethia Peart, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, Mandeville who handed over the equipment said The Jamaica National Group through the JN Foundation was happy to be presenting the equipment as the organisation was very keen on community development and enhancing lives.
“We are very happy to be involved in presenting the equipment and erecting the grandstand. At the JN Group, we pride ourselves in saying that ‘we put people first’,” she said.
“It is not just about today. This is a sustainable project. We are very happy to see community members enjoying the use of the grand stand and they are able to sit and enjoy the football game,” she said.
The facility was recommended for funding by the JN Circle Mandeville chapter. The JN Circle is a network of JN members and customers in the member companies of the JN Group, who form friendships to enrich their lives through community building, advocacy and networking.
The JN Foundation last year issued a call to JN Circle chapters for submission of community building project proposals, offering grant funding of up to $1.5 million. Dawnette Pryce-Thompson, project coordinator at the JN Foundation said that the organisation was pleased to be investing in the community in a sustainable way.
“The impact of this project will be seen in the very near future as it will provide employment within the community and build comradery among community members. The JN Foundation is happy to be impacting lives in this way,” she said.
The JN Foundation, has awarded $8.3 million to community organisations to implement seven community related projects across the island.
The grant funding will be administered through the JN Circle, a global network of JN members and customers who are empowered by JN to work together to improve their own lives and the lives of other Jamaicans everywhere.
The projects cover a range of social development, education and health initiatives in communities across six parishes.
Dawnette Pryce-Thompson, project coordinator at the JN Foundation, said she was happy to be awarding the grants to projects that will resonate and be impactful when implemented.
“The JN Foundation is committed to enriching lives and building communities. We believe that these awards which were proposed by our JN Circle members in communities across the island, will be sustainably implemented and will yield measurable and realistic outcomes,” she said.
The projects that have been awarded grants include a skills training centre spearheaded by the Ocho Rios Baptist Church and the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios. The project is targeted at upskilling unattached youth in Ocho Rios and its environs by providing them with practical training in the areas of plumbing and electrical installation. The training will be certified by the HEART/ NSTA Trust and will be conducted in a retrofitted 40-foot container located at the church.
The Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary will also benefit from the grant funding with the donation of medical equipment, such as an ECG machine, pulse oximeters and a defibrillator. This equipment will assist the hospital to improve healthcare services to patients.
Bull Savannah Primary & Junior High School in St. Elizabeth has been awarded funding to furnish an existing open air lunchroom that caters to some 40 students. This will be done through the donation of dining tables and chairs.
Maryland Primary and Infant School in Hanover is another recipient that will benefit from the donation of tablets to be used as loaners to students in need. The devices will assist them with accessing lessons remotely, when necessary and provide access to online resources.
Residents of Cross Keys and surrounding communities in southern Manchester are also recipients of a JN Foundation grant, which they will use to assist with boosting an agro-processing facility in the community, with the donation of a commercial slicer and a deep fryer. The funds are expected to be used to improve the community centre and sporting facility with the installation of concrete benches for the playfield.
The Spanish Town Young Men Citizens Association’s (YMCA) computer lab in St Catherine will be upgraded with needed air conditioning units. The grant funding will be used to install the units that will help to protect the computer hardware and software, reducing the risks of downtime or destruction.
The newly built centre of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth is another recipient of the grants, which will outfit the new centre with chairs, tables, office equipment, kitchen appliances, cribs and utensils. The centre provides educational and counselling support for pregnant girls and young mothers under 17 years old, with a mandate for their successful transition into continued and higher learning.
Donna Burton, centre manager at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, was elated that the Foundation was awarded funding and expressed her appreciation.
“This is a real blessing for us and it will advance the programme here in Santa Cruz area,” she said.
The JN Foundation last year issued a call for proposals for projects that will improve communities and to access grant funding of up to $1.5 million. Twenty-seven project proposals were received.
