GROWING up in Portmore, St Catherine, Rafique Reid found inspiration in the simple rhythms of family life. Sundays meant church, time in the kitchen with his parents, and the cool breeze from the nearby lake. Within that close-knit home, his parents laid the foundation for a young man who would eventually see engineering as a way to help address some of Jamaica’s challenges.

Now in his third year of chemical engineering at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, Reid is also president of the Association of Chemical Engineering Students. His ambitions extend beyond earning a degree. He hopes to build a career in Jamaica’s manufacturing and energy sectors, beginning with hands-on engineering experience before eventually contributing to wider industry and policy decisions.

Curiosity about how things work emerged early. During his time at Kingston College, Reid was drawn to mathematics and the sciences, particularly physics. He enjoyed seeing how formulas could explain real-world problems and found satisfaction in working through solutions. Medicine initially seemed like the natural career path. Sixth form prompted him to reconsider. A closer look at his interests revealed a stronger connection to mathematics, chemistry and physics, leading him to explore several engineering disciplines before choosing chemical engineering.

Versatility ultimately drew him to the field. Energy, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, water and waste management all presented areas where he could see engineering making a practical difference. Jamaica’s dependence on imported fuel, limited local processing of agricultural products and reliance on imported pharmaceutical supplies further strengthened his interest in finding solutions within these areas. Changing career direction came with its own academic challenge. Rather than lose a year, Reid took on double units of Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination pure mathematics alongside his regular school schedule. He attended Kingston College during the day before travelling to Linton’s Academy for evening classes. The demanding routine paid off, allowing him to complete both units and gain admission to UTech’s chemical engineering programme. University brought a setback he could not have anticipated. During his first year, Reid was the victim of a robbery which occurred while waiting for a bus to attend a graded presentation. This left him without his laptop, notebooks, money and other belongings and as a result he struggled academically which contributed to a failed course and a GPA below 3.0.

His family’s relentless support helped him regain his footing. His grandmother, in particular, encouraged him through this difficult period, while Reid changed his approach to studying, began preparing earlier for assignments and became more intentional about surrounding himself with peers who shared his academic ambitions. What could have become a defining setback instead became a lesson in how he wanted to approach challenges.

That mindset was shaped long before university. Reid considers his father his greatest role model, admiring his ability to remain composed during difficult circumstances and his journey from financial hardship to greater stability. Education was consistently presented as a pathway to opportunity, while confidence and perseverance became values Reid carried into his own life.

His mother reinforced those lessons in a different way. After Reid became discouraged following a failed physics mock examination in grade 11, she helped him regain his focus and return to his studies. Her response reinforced an idea that has stayed with him: failure can interrupt progress without determining what comes next. A saying attributed to Marcus Garvey, shared with Reid by his father, has also remained meaningful to him: a lack of confidence in oneself can become one of life’s greatest obstacles. That principle has carried Reid through several changes in direction, during his decision making and ultimately finding his place in chemical engineering.

Leadership has become another intricate part of his university experience. In his role as president of the Association of Chemical Engineering Students, Reid enjoys supporting his peers and works to strengthen the student experience within the programme. His involvement extends to the School of Engineering Health and Safety Committee, where he contributes to health fairs, first aid certification and Mental Health Day.

Outside UTech, he mentors young boys through his church’s Boys’ Brigade, helping them develop discipline and responsibility.

Support through the Ernest Johnston Memorial Bursary is a moment that he holds dear and which has added another layer of stability to his journey. Awarded through the St Mary Education Trust (SMET), the bursary helps reduce the amount Reid needs to borrow through the Students’ Loan Bureau to finance his education. Additional responsibilities within his family, including supporting a sibling with autism and ADHD, make that financial relief particularly meaningful.

Reid considers this assistance from the bursary as an indication that others believe in his abilities and in what he hopes to contribute through engineering. Receiving an award connected to the legacy of Ernest Johnston has also strengthened his sense of responsibility to make the opportunity count.

His ambitions remain firmly connected to Jamaica’s development. Reid plans to begin his career as a process engineer, gaining practical experience in manufacturing before eventually contributing to wider conversations around energy and industrial policy. He hopes to help develop more energy-efficient manufacturing systems and support Jamaica’s transition towards greater use of renewable energy.

Rafique’s journey has been shaped by curiosity, family, setbacks and opportunity. Each experience has added something to the engineer he is becoming, from his parents’ influence and early academic interests to the challenges that tested his resolve.

With the support of SMET’s investment, he believes this is a push to take the next step. Reid intends to honour that support by building the knowledge, experience and leadership needed to turn his engineering ambitions into meaningful work for Jamaica.

Tanya Rose-Reid wears the smile of a proud mother as she supports her son, Rafique Reid, third-year chemical engineering student and recipient of the Ernest Johnston Memorial Bursary at the St Mary Education Trust 2026 awards ceremony