A total of 185 applications have been submitted to the Secretariat overseeing the Government’s $1-billion Marcus Garvey Graduate Scholarship for Public Sector Employees. Opening the 2021/22 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 11),
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, said the submissions are for the first 30 scholarships being awarded under the initiative.
The programme is designed to provide opportunities for qualified, high-potential Jamaicans to obtain graduate degrees from competitive accredited tertiary institutions, in areas aligned with Jamaica’s national goals and strategic objectives.
Dr. Clarke, who noted that the period for submission was September 1, 2020 to October 5, 2020, said a blind peer review process to shortlist applicants is almost complete. He said the Selection Committee, chaired by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, will interview the shortlisted applicants and select the final awardees.
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The Minister pointed out that the Programme will enable the development of a public sector-wide talent resource pool, with 30 scholarships a year over five years in various subject matters. These include public sector governance, health, education, the built environment, and economics.
Dr. Clarke said the Programme constitutes the base of the Government’s human capital development initiatives that will nurture the advancement of future senior public sector leaders and executives.
“We remain committed to investing in the technical capacity and experience of the public sector. That is our goal and mission,” he underscored.
ABOUT THE MARCUS GARVEY PUBLIC SECTOR GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
The Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship was established in 2020 by the Government of Jamaica to offer Jamaican nationals and citizens employed in the public sector, the opportunity to obtain a postgraduate degree from competitive, appropriately accredited universities in Jamaica, North America and Europe.
Scholarship recipients pursue graduate studies in programmes of study that align with Jamaica’s national priorities and strategic objectives. Scholarship awardees will be required to return to work within the public sector for a period of five (5) years upon completion of their studies which is in keeping with the official Bonding Policy of the Government of Jamaica.
Failure to complete the stipulated period of service will be treated in accordance with the Forfeiture Clause of the Bonding Policy.
DEADLINE
The application process for the September 2021/22 academic year opens August 31, 2020 and closes October 5, 2020. Applicants must ensure all required documents, including references, are submitted by the deadline.
BENEFITS
The Marcus Garvey Scholarships will cover 100% of tuition costs for the eligible programmes at the participating universities. Scholarship awardees will be provided with a stipend to cover reasonable monthly costs for living expenses including meals and accommodation.
These will be standard rates determined by the Technical Secretariat and subject to revision on an annual basis. For scholarships tenable at overseas universities the programme will provide the scholarship awardee with transportation, including airfare, from Jamaica to the university and on completion of studies, from the university to Jamaica.
The Scholarship Programme will not cover the costs of spouses or other family members.
Source: “185 Applications Submitted For Marcus Garvey Graduate Scholarship” on JIS.org.jm
