Seven Jamaicans awarded UK government scholarships

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Seven outstanding Jamaicans have been awarded fully funded UK government scholarships to pursue one-year master’s degree programmes at leading universities across the United Kingdom for the 2026 academic year. The cohort comprises three Chevening Scholars and four Commonwealth Scholars, who were celebrated on Tuesday evening, August 25, at the UK 2026 Scholarship Farewell Reception hosted by British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert, at the British High Commission in Kingston. The Chevening Scholars are Akeem Campbell, pursuing a Master of Finance at the University of Cambridge; Shaqkeera Douglas, pursuing an LLM in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law at Queen Mary University of London and Melisha Gordon, pursuing an MSC in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Queen Mary University of London.

Commonwealth Scholars are Jerome Garwood, pursuing a Master’s in Construction Economics and Management, University College London (UCL); Ricardo Hunter, pursuing an MSc in Innovation and Technology Management, University of Bath; Emoney Clayton, pursuing an MSc in Global Health and Development, University College London (UCL) and Lamar-Shey Grant, pursuing an MA in Applied Anthropology and Community Development, Goldsmiths, University of London. The reception brought together the scholars, Chevening and Commonwealth alumni, government representatives, family members and other specially invited guests ahead of the scholars’ departure for the United Kingdom. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, was also in attendance and delivered remarks.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, who is also a former Commonwealth Scholar, congratulated the seven Jamaicans on their outstanding achievement, noting the long-standing contribution of the UK scholarship programmes to developing Jamaican leaders across a range of sectors. “What brings us all together this evening is a belief in the potential of people-their ideas, their talent and their ability to make a difference in their communities and in the wider world. To our scholars who are about to embark on your studies across a wide range of disciplines from finance, law and cybercrime, global health, construction, community development, innovation and technology, and more: congratulations.