14 Jamaicans awarded ‘20-’21 Chevening Scholarships
Published:Monday | August 24, 2020 | 12:47 AM
Women dominate a list of 14 Jamaicans who have been awarded Chevening Scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom (UK), a statement from the British High Commission in Kingston has said.
The 2020-2021 scholars were selected from a stellar shortlisted cohort of 50, who were chosen from a wider pool of candidates of more than 400.
Chevening is the UK Government’s international awards programme aimed at developing global leaders.
It offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK.
This year’s batch of scholars will increase the Jamaican alumni to more than 250 since 1984, many of whom are leaders and trailblazers across society.
In reacting to confirmation of this year’s cohort, High Commissioner Asif Ahmad noted that the UK, through its universities, remains committed to developing young global leaders despite the economic fallout from COVID-19.
“We are not going to let COVID-19 rob talented Jamaicans of the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of Chevening,” said Ahmad, who has seen off hundreds of scholars in his combined 10 years of engagement as ambassador to Thailand and the Philippines also.
“I’ve always been particularly fond of the Chevening programme and have personally witnessed the development of enthusiastic, talented, and committed people over a one-year period. Each person, from the send-off to their return, is transformed and ready to make a contribution to their home country,” Ahmad noted.
He said that this year’s cohort is quite special as for the first time in Jamaica, one of the scholarship recipients will be aiming for a Master’s in Fashion Business Management.
“We also have a scholar studying the physics and technology of nuclear reactors, another first for this great country,” Ahmad said.
The Chevening Scholars are Josan Sutherland, Paris Michelle Barrett Powell, Victoria Grant, Deanna Rose, Don Dobson, Oshane Hamilton, Kerry-Ann Harriott, Donald Mirander, Andrea Chisholm, Robyn Stephenson, Jonelle Allen, Suelle Anglin, Stacy-Ann Wilson, and Leroy Montaque.