Eight Jamaicans were yesterday pinned by Prime Minister Andrew Holness as part of the first cohort of young professionals who will serve in the Government of Jamaica as part of the Jamaica House Fellowship Programme.

The eight fellows — six men and two women — are Jerome Cowans, Lavois Cruickshank, Christopher Graham, Karelle Samuda, Andre Silburn, Sherona Forrester, and Aubrey Stewart, all university graduates, and Mark Tracey, who has been seconded from the private sector. They will serve for a two-year period.

Speaking at the ceremony yesterday to officially launch the programme, Holness said the society must become one of meritocracy.

“The Jamaica House Fellowship programme is just one idea in a series of things that we are going to do to ensure that the Jamaican State is seen in the best way, in the best light, held in the highest regard, to create a society of merit. The Jamaican State has to become a meritocracy, so the man who plays by the rule will be rewarded,” Prime Minister Holness said.

The eight individuals will be placed in a fast-paced collaborative environment within ministries, departments and agencies based on Government priorities, skill sets, experience and areas of interest.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister said each fellow will work on, provide support to and implement high-priority Government initiatives.

“We have to be a society of excellence. Too often we are willing to compromise on standards, especially in Government, and that has to change. It is because it is Government that we should give the best service because you are building your society and your country, and you will ultimately benefit,” the prime minister said. “We will have to get this culture (of excellence) back in Government. It’s part of the transformation of Government.”

The Jamaica House fellows will be assigned to special projects, required to meet on a regular basis, and prepare reports on their activities which will be reviewed based on key performance indicators, the release said.