KINGSTON, Jamaica — Seventeen outstanding 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.

Funded by the UK Government, Chevening Scholarships provide full financial support for postgraduate study, and scholars are chosen for academic excellence plus leadership potential and commitment to making a positive impact in their home country.

This year’s chosen scholars hail from both rural and urban areas across various parishes.

Among the 2025 awardees is Odain Murray, recipient of the sole JN/Chevening Oliver F Clarke Scholarship, funded by Jamaica National (JN).

Growing up in the troubled communities of Flankers and Mount 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.

While in the UK, he will pursue a masters in Educational Leadership and Management at King’s College London to strengthen leadership in Jamaica’s education sector and create pathways for underserved students.

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 [AI]) 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.

Outgoing 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 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.

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. For eligibility requirements, visit www.chevening.org.