“SEE me place deh,” an excited Michelle Newland echoes each time she is in the vicinity of the J Wray & Nephew Limited offices on Spanish Town Road, Kingston. She is particularly ecstatic, that the company deeply interwoven within Jamaican life and committed to community development, has given her son, Malcolm-Jamal Newland, the opportunity to pursue his dreams of becoming a medical doctor.

A teacher by profession, Newland said her son has always wanted to become a medical doctor. “From he was a little boy, he has held steadfast and has worked so hard to fulfil his dreams. He is driven, and stands by what he believes in. I am extremely proud of him. He is proactive, and oftentimes, an overachiever. It is his belief in himself that has given him the opportunity to be selected as a JWN Foundation scholar,” she said.

Newland said when her son received the JWN Foundation scholarship, she was beyond words. She cried tears of joy and was happy that her son would be able to realise his dreams.

“The JWN Foundation helped to change his life. If they hadn’t given him the scholarship, it would have made it more difficult for him to realise his dreams,” she said.

Newland, Malcolm-Jamal and his siblings are from Kingston 11, an area that is associated primarily with poverty, crime and violence.

“My living conditions were not the best. There were many negative connotations associated with the community, and so my mother restricted us in the home to keep us grounded,” Malcolm-Jamal said.

Notwithstanding, he said because of his high academic performance, many people in the community also wished him well. “They saw my badges when I was going to and from school, and they encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” he added.

Gregory Williams, guidance counsellor at Dupont Primary School, said Malcolm-Jamal was an over-achiever, who has a very high standard in his academic life.

“In 2024, Dupont Primary School recognised and awarded Malcolm-Jamal for his outstanding achievements. He was presented with the Principal’s Honour Roll award. He always wanted to become a doctor, and even when I tried to convince him that he should become a lawyer because he loves to debate, he was resolute of his choice. We are extremely proud of him,” Williams said.

In 2023, Malcolm-Jamal graduated from St George’s College as valedictorian. He was also the school’s top Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholar, and placed first in Jamaica for French.

While a student at the North Street-based institution, he participated in 21 extra-curricular activities and was the president of five clubs. “I didn’t let my location define me. I felt empowered and I knew that I could achieve,” he said.

His fascination with the medical field came out of his desire to assist others. He has volunteered and assisted several organisations including Mustard Seed Communities and the Jamaica Red Cross, of which he was a member while in primary school.

“While participating in these activities, I developed a passion for helping people. I saw the beauty in God’s creation, and I love the act of helping. I was a teacher for one year after graduating high school, and this area further ignited me to give of my talents,” Malcolm-Jamal said.

Now a second-year medical student at The University of the West Indies, Mona, he said he continues to be transfixed by the intricacies of the human body, especially when they get to work on different specimens. “It is worth it, if you love it,” he said.

Despite limited finances, Malcolm-Jamal Newland was not deterred by his inability to fund his educational journey. He went full speed ahead and searched daily for scholarship opportunities. “I knew we did not have it, but there was no way that I would not fulfil my dreams,” he said.

When named a J Wray & Nephew Foundation scholar, his faith was renewed, and he has vowed to ensure that he completes his educational pursuits at the highest level.

“I was overjoyed. My mother has a lot of finances to grapple with on a daily basis. The scholarship of which we are eternally grateful, has taken off the additional burden she would have had to worry about or endure,” he said.

Malcolm-Jamal said he finds it extraordinary, the JWN Foundation’s philanthropic efforts of giving back. “It is admirable, and we are very appreciative of the benefits that have been afforded us as a result of their efforts. It is amazing that so many youths have and will continue to realise their dreams,” he said.

As a result of the JWN Foundation’s investment in his education, Malcolm-Jamal Newland has started a Vision2050 initiative in his community, that is geared to encourage youths to think big, stay focused, and pursue their academic aspirations.

Malcolm-Jamal Newland participating in an environmental clean-up project with Vision2050, a youth organisation that he’s part of within his community. Newland, along with his team, donated books, food, counselling, tutoring services, and even back-to-school supplies with the help of the J Wray & Nephew Foundation.