grantfunding, newsSeptember 9, 2024

Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship Now Open

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.

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grantfundingSeptember 2, 2024

Najae Murray Set to Transform Jamaican Education

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.
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.

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newsSeptember 2, 2024

Historic Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship Awarded

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.

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