NARELLE Colley, a 15-year-old third-form student at St George’s College in Kingston, is the first recipient of the GAP Foundation memorial scholarship.

The scholarship is in memory of late Jamaica Defence Force coast guard Lieutenant Gawaine Alrick Peart known as GAP, who was died in a motor vehicle crash on the Palisadoes road in Kingston in 2014.

He was then 24 years old. The scholarship is open to only members of a school’s uniform group in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.

His mother Lorraine Peart, who chairs of the GAP Foundation, told the Jamaica Observer that decision to launch the foundation came out of the awareness of the positive impact he had on others.

“He always wanted to see others excel. He achieved many of his goals. We saw it as an opportunity to build on the legacy he left behind and to encourage and facilitate other young persons to achieve as well,” said Peart.

Colley, who joined St George’s Cadet Unit in September 2022 and now serves as drill sergeant, has been awarded a plaque and a cash prize of $80,000.

According to a report submitted by the head of the cadet unit Orane Shaw, as part of Colley’s application, “he is well respected not only among unit lines but throughout the Eastern Regiment of the JCCF [Jamaica Combined Cadet Force]”.

The report added: “Narelle’s commitment to service has led him to volunteer at multiple locations, both school-related and outside of the school. He often volunteers willingly for any opportunity and never expects a reward or recognition.”

His awards include JCCF Star 2 Qualification, JCCF Star 1 Qualification, Drone Pilot Certification, Weapons Handling 1 and 2 Certification and he was the Most Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer (2023-2024).

Lori-Ann Peart-Phillip, sister of the late soldier, said applications were received from male and female students, after which a review was done.

“The board of directors was impressed with Narelle’s academic performance, outstanding leadership qualities, community involvement and pursuit of excellence,” said Peart-Phillip.

A presentation was also made to his mother Rosemarie Pryce by Lt Col (Ret’d) Oral Khan, a member of the GAP Scholarship Foundation’s board.

“Commendations are in order for his parents and the other members of his support system. We also recognise Second Lt Orane Shaw, leader of the cadet unit. We are encouraging you all to excel, just as your current theme states ‘Built on Integrity, Bound for Greatness’. Each one of you has the potential to be excellent at whatever you set your mind to,” said Peart Phillip.

The application period for the 2026 scholarship will be open in January. People interested in applying can visit
gapfoundationja.org for more information.

Applicants must be a member of one of the following groups: The Jamaica Combined Cadet Force; Scouts Association; Girl Guides Association; Junior Red Cross; National Inter-secondary Schools Brigade; Ocean Blue Marine Cadets; National Cadet Force; and Royal Mission Cadet Corps.

According to the foundation, eligible candidates must have completed at least two years’ of exemplary service in his or her unit; must maintain a minimum academic average of 70 per cent; must have attained proficiency in at least one area of his or her unit’s key training objectives; and must demonstrate leadership attributes.

GAP Foundation Scholarship Director Lt Col (Ret’d) Oral Khan makes a presentation to Rosemarie Pryce, mother of scholarship awardee Narelle Colley.