KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) says the selection process for the Jamaica House Fellowship Programme has now started, after a total of 129 applications were received.

Jacqueline Lynch-Stewart, chief technical director in the Office of the Prime Minister, explained that due to the overwhelming response, the selection process has been extended and will be finalised by mid-October.

“The response has been truly overwhelming. We are seeing a high calibre of applicants, both overseas and local, who have been outstanding in their respective fields and communities. We want to ensure the most exceptional applicants are selected and as a result we decided to extend the time to carefully review each application,” said Lynch-Stewart.

The OPM said of the applications received, 76 are females and 53 are males.

All applicants are Jamaican citizens, according to the OPM, with 14 individuals currently residing overseas in countries such as the United States of America, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey.

The programme is designed to empower individuals to make further contributions to their country and to become strong leaders in their respective fields. Successful candidates will be working under the general guidance and supervision of the chief technical director in the OPM and will be involved in a wide range of high impact projects.