AS the first of his siblings to complete high school and move on to complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Mark Davis says he always knew himself to be a high achiever who innately possessed a drive for excellence. Fast-forward to 2022, the 35-year-old is now well on his way to completing a PhD in Governance and public policy through the government-funded 2022 Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Hailing from the parish of Clarendon, Davis grew up in Palmers Cross in a little community called Rum Lane with his parents and older siblings in a lower middle class family. He describes his household as strict, with a father who was a policeman and a mother who was heavily involved in church.

As the last child for both his parents, he shared that they ensured he had the resources to do well academically and develop other skills.

“I had a relatively good background growing up, in terms of guidance and support from my parents. I wasn’t wanting for anything, I think they did an excellent job in helping me to get to where I’m at now by ensuring all the necessary resources were in place,” he said.

Davis shared that his love for leadership and service blossomed from his boyhood when he attended May Pen Primary School and later Glenmuir High School.

“I was in student council from primary school, that’s where it started, and I was head boy at Glenmuir. I think I learned a lot from my father, in terms of leadership and just giving my best in everything that I do. Growing up and seeing my brothers and sisters not necessarily being able to accomplish or meet the expectations of my parents, I think that drove me to ensure I did that,” he said.

Davis’s leadership qualities later expanded at the tertiary level when he became involved with The University of the West Indies Guild of Students and became deputy chairman of Rex Nettleford Hall between 2007 to 2008.

A love affair with governance and public policy

After graduating from Glenmuir High School in 2005, Davis’s academic journey continued to The University of the West Indies, Mona where he pursued an undergraduate degree in economics and statistics. From there his passion grew for nation-building and he went on to pursue a master’s degree in government, political theory, and contemporary politics.

“I’ve always tried to identify, even from a very young age, how it is that I’m going to contribute to my country and national development… growing up with a strong sense of leadership, management, and governance, I thought that was the best way I could give of my time and effort to ensure that we do have a public service and a system that meets the needs of the people,” he said.

He shared that after assessing and analysing Jamaica’s position from a public policy standpoint, he knew that was an area he needed to remain in to have a real impact on how government decisions can improve the lives of average Jamaicans.

“If you listen to the narrative of the common man on the ground you get the impression that there is a void… There’s a lot more the Government and the public service can offer and can do for the development of the people and that’s when I started thinking about how I can strengthen the systems of government. How can I position myself to be able to give adequate advice in structuring the government and making sure the government can deliver on public policy?”

Davis shared that the passion and purpose he has found in policymaking at the government level influenced his decision to apply for the scholarship.

He later emerged as one of the two scholarship recipients who were selected to pursue PhD studies.

“When I found out I was selected, I was beyond elated… it was my first time and I jumped for joy, partly because I wasn’t sure if I had adequately sold my vision to the panel. It took me a couple of days to fully appreciate and comprehend what being selected meant for me, my ministry, and my country.”

Davis, who is currently the chief management and establishment analyst at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, says after completing the PhD programme he hopes to make a further impact at the national level by being a part of the solution to restructure how the government functions to deliver on public service.

He commended the Government for establishing the scholarship programme for public sector workers and highlighted the scholarship’s important role in retaining Jamaica’s young professionals.

“The scholarship creates more incentives for young people to stay and contribute directly to the development of the public service. It will also inspire and motivate upcoming young civil servants to inoculate a sense of loyalty and pride in the country,” he said.

Davis, who credited his accomplishments to the favour and mercies of God, expressed that his ultimate wish for Jamaica is that the nation will exclusively manifest how the world views the island – as a powerful nation filled with unique, talented, and brilliant people who can do anything.