Photo Caption: Najae Murray (right), the inaugural award recipient of the Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, shares a light moment with from left: Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Her Excellency, Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica and Parris Lyew-Ayee, Chairman of the JN Foundation. Occasion was the Chevening scholarship reception held at the British High Commission Kingston on August 22 to present this year’s cohort of Chevening scholars.
The British High Commission in Jamaica and The Jamaica National Group marked a historic milestone with the award of a Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, the first Chevening partner award to be established in Jamaica. The fully funded scholarship, named in honour of the late Oliver F Clarke, former chairman of the JN Group and The Gleaner Company, was awarded to Najae Murray, director of public relations and communication at the University Council of Jamaica.
The announcement was made at the British High Commission Kingston on August 22, during a Chevening Scholarship reception to present this year’s cohort of 13 scholars who will be pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
Mr Murray, who will be studying Education and International Development at the University College London, is pleased to be selected the inaugural recipient of the scholarship.
“It is an honour I take with great pride to be able to look up to Oliver F Clarke and to know that his legacy will be able to live on through me and the work I would be able to do being granted this opportunity. I will ever be grateful, and I hope to do my best to contribute to Jamaica when I get back,” he said.
Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, pointed out that the two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the British High Commission will provide one scholarship each year to support an outstanding Jamaican scholar to pursue academic excellence in the United Kingdom and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to drive transformation in Jamaica and beyond.
“For the past four decades, Chevening scholarships have been synonymous with fostering future leaders who possess the passion, intellect and determination to effect positive change. These scholarships have provided exceptional Jamaicans with the opportunity to expand their horizons, deepen their expertise, and return to Jamaica equipped to contribute to their country.”
“The Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship will continue this tradition, focusing on areas critical to Jamaica’s development, including social justice, public administration, data analytics, information technology, and education. These areas align closely with the interests and legacy of Oliver F Clarke, who championed education and social justice throughout his career,” the chairman explained.
Her Excellency, Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, commended the JN Foundation for its initiative in co-founding the scholarship award.
“We hope that JN’s trailblazing move to partner with us in this scholarship, will inspire more Jamaican companies to partner with Chevening,” she stressed.
“Chevening remains the British government’s flagship scholarship programme for nurturing global leaders and enabling them to flourish academically, professionally and also culturally.”
Close to 300 applications for the scholarship awards were received locally.
Ambassador Slator, who likened the competitive scholarship award selection to the track and field trials for the Olympics, pointed out that since the inception of the Chevening Scholarship 40 years ago, 60,000 persons around the world, more than 315 of them Jamaicans, have benefitted. As a requirement, the scholarship recipients must return to their home country to contribute their enhanced skills to its development.
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, pointed out that the government is looking forward to working with the scholars on their return to leverage the knowledge, experience and expanded opportunities that they will bring back to Jamaica in order to achieve national development goals.
“Each year, Cheveners are given access to some of the finest tertiary institutions across the UK which provide education grounded in the newest trends, cutting-edge technologies, thought leadership, technologies and methodologies that are not yet here in Jamaica,” she related.
In addressing the scholarship recipients, Mr Lyew-Ayee emphasised the associated responsibilities of their scholarship award.
“Build and maintain a network of people who can support your vision and your efforts to build your community and country. These are not only people who can provide you with opportunities, but people who you can rely on to sharpen your perspectives and strengthen your cause.”
“This scholarship is a gift, and with it comes the responsibility to support others. Whether through mentorship, community service, or leadership, or any other altruistic means, use your talents and resources to uplift others. Your success is intertwined with the wellbeing of your community. As you rise, bring others with you,” he encouraged them.
This year’s cohort include Leneka Rhoden, Janielle McKoy, Nathanael Amore, Renee McDonald, Shantal Artwell, Oluwatomilayo Edokpa, Tajay Grant, Sayeed Bernard, Najae Murray, Jomarie Malcolm Gordon, Anthony McKenzie, Toni-Ann Taylor and Sonya Murray. They will be pursuing diverse fields of study to include energy and climate change, sports biomechanics, data science and analytics, education and international development, law regulation compliance, brand management, technology and telecommunications.
