The 2024 GraceKennedy Birthright Programme concluded on July 26, with a celebratory closing ceremony at the company’s headquarters in downtown Kingston. This six-week professional and cultural internship, which began in June, welcomed four university students from the Jamaican Diaspora.

This year’s participants were Lauren Walcott from Northwestern University; Madison Thomas from Pomona College; Romari Smith from Queen’s University, Canada; and Tariq Brown from the University of Sussex.

At last Friday’s ceremony, the interns reflected on their most memorable moments from this year’s programme, highlighting the professional skills they developed, the cultural connections they forged, and the lifelong friendships they made during their time in Jamaica.

Reflecting on his experience, Tariq Brown, visiting the island for the first time, said, “Seeing the depth within my Jamaican culture, from the history to the heritage to the people, is my biggest takeaway from this internship. In the UK, we can be very starved of what it means to be truly Jamaican. It’s not just the food or the dancing, it’s the rich heritage and history, and I’m glad I was able to experience this firsthand.”

Throughout the programme, the Birthright interns gained hands-on experience across various GK business units while immersing themselves in Jamaica’s vibrant culture. Activities included museum tours, excursions to historical sites, and attendance at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay in June.

“GraceKennedy has always been deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging among the younger generation of Jamaicans worldwide,” said Gail Moss-Solomon, general counsel and chief corporate secretary at GraceKennedy Limited. “The Birthright Programme is our way of expressing gratitude to the diaspora and investing in future leaders, innovators, and cultural ambassadors who will help shape Jamaica’s tomorrow.”

Crystal-Gayle Williams, project officer at the GraceKennedy Foundation, added, “Through the Birthright Programme, we are investing in Jamaica’s future by deepening the connection between Jamaica and its diaspora. We are grateful for all our Birthright partners who played an active role in ensuring our interns had a well-rounded Jamaican experience.”

The foundation, which coordinates the programme on GK’s behalf, collaborates with several like-minded public and private sector partners committed to nation-building and engaging the Jamaican youth diaspora.

Since 2004, the Birthright Programme has provided over 60 second and third-generation Jamaican university students from the US, UK, and Canada with a unique blend of professional development and cultural immersion.