17 Jamaicans named 2025 Chevening scholars

Seventeen Jamaicans have been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue master’s degrees at top universities in the United Kingdom (UK), the largest cohort from Jamaica in recent years. The scholars are from parishes across the island.

Funded by the UK Government, Chevening Scholarships provide full financial support for postgraduate study and access to a global network of more than 60,000 alumni worldwide. Scholars are chosen not only for academic excellence but for their leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact in their home country.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater noted that “This year’s high number of recipients reflects the exceptional talent and promise of our scholars. Chevening is about more than academic achievement – it’s about building a global network of leaders. I am confident these 17 scholars will return home ready to drive positive change in Jamaica. The UK’s continued investment in Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships is evidence of our mission to help accelerate Jamaica’s growth and development.”

Among the 2025 awardees is Odain Murray, this year’s recipient of the sole JN/Chevening Oliver F. Clarke Scholarship which is funded by Jamaica National (JN). Growing up in the troubled communities of Flankers and Mt Salem in Montego Bay, St James, Murray experienced firsthand the transformative power of education. Today, he serves as acting director of marketing, recruitment, and communications at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

He will pursue an MA in Educational Leadership and Management at King’s College London to strengthen leadership in Jamaica’s education sector and create pathways for underserved students.

JN CEO Earl Jarrett noted: “This scholarship honours Oliver Clarke’s legacy of investing in education as the foundation for national development. Odain’s dedication to making higher education more accessible exemplifies the transformative impact we envision through this partnership.”

AI FOR LEGAL SERVICES

Also, among this year’s Chevening scholars is Daniel Lattery, a Crown counsel (prosecutor) who has been working in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Antigua and Barbuda. With a strong commitment to justice, he prosecutes criminal cases and represents the government in immigration matters.

Lattery will pursue an MSc in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Kent, where he plans to explore how AI can revolutionise the delivery of legal services, particularly in developing nations. His vision is to create AI-driven platforms that make legal services more affordable, accessible, and efficient, helping to democratise justice and improve legal literacy across the Caribbean.

The 2025 scholars will study disciplines ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Public Policy, and Engineering Management to Clinical Dermatology, History of Art, and Applied Psychology of Music. All share a commitment to returning to Jamaica to apply their expertise in tackling national challenges. Once completed, they will be a part of the more than 300 Chevening strong alumni in Jamaica.

The full 2025 cohort are Daniel Lattery, Daneel Nichol, Odain Murray, Sashara Eccleston, Babesha Ranns, Javon Downie, Ryan Malcolm, Orville Levy, Veronna Hanley, Khianna Lee, Sara-Lou Morgan-Walker, Zara Harris, Neil Parkes, Kerry-Ann Chen, Nicque Graham, Jodi-Ann McFarlane, and Jamila Falak.

For those interested in joining the Chevening community, applications for the 2026–2027 Chevening Scholarships are now open and will close in early October. There is no age limit, and applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.