Thirteen Jamaicans have been awarded the 2024 Chevening Scholarships to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.

Chevening is one of the UK Government’s flagship international awards programmes 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 marks the 41^st anniversary of the Chevening Awards, and this latest batch of scholars will increase the Jamaican alumni to over 315 since 1984, many of whom are trailblazers across Jamaican society.

This year’s scholars are Leneka Rhoden, Sayeed Bernard, Nathanael Amore, Anthony McKenzie, Toni-Ann Taylor, Janielle McKoy, Jomarie Malcolm Gordon, Tajay Grant, Renee McDonald, Sonya Murray, Najae Murray, Oluwatomilayo Bewaji Edokpa and Shantal Artwell.

The cohort of scholars will pursue their studies in the UK in a variety of fields, including Law, Energy and Climate Change, Entertainment Law, Employment and Human Resource Law, Financial Regulation, Sports and Exercise Biomechanics, Special Education and International Development, Medical Physics, Data Science, Statistics and Brand Management.

Speaking at the Chevening Farewell reception on Thursday 22 August, at the British High Commission, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater said: “This year we are proud to be awarding thirteen bright and talented young Jamaicans the opportunity to study in the UK for a year on fully funded Chevening Scholarships. These remarkable individuals have been chosen from a highly competitive group. Through this scholarship programme, these young leaders, and decision-makers will have the opportunity to forge lasting connections with the UK, build their expertise and contribute to the rich tapestry of our UK-JA bilateral relationship.”

High Commissioner Slater was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Marsha Smith.

For her part, Johnson-Smith joined in congratulating the scholars on their achievements and encouraged them to be ambassadors for excellence while overseas.

The application period for Chevening Scholarships for the academic year 2025-26 can be found at www.chevening.org.  The application period is now open and will close in mid-November.