NINETEEN public sector workers have been awarded full scholarships to pursue advanced studies at local and international tertiary institutions.

They are the third cohort to benefit from the Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship, which is administered by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.

The awards ceremony was held at King’s House on Thursday to coincide with the 136th anniversary of the birth of Jamaica’s first national hero, in whose honour the scholarship is named.

Awardees will be pursuing courses in national security, public health, computer-based management information systems, family medicine, construction management, law, applied data science, forensic science, and renewable energy technology.

In his remarks, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said the scholarship programme is a direct investment in Jamaica’s future.

“The knowledge you acquire, the insights you gather and the skills you hone will be integral to shaping and fortifying our nation’s future,” he said.

The governor general said members of the Scholarship Selection Committee, which he chairs, were impressed with the calibre of candidates, their educational achievements, the passion for the work they do and their vision of the impact their training will have on national development.

He indicated that he is looking forward to increased uptake of the scholarships over the next two years.

“Please let others who are working in the public sector know of this and encourage them to apply. They may very well be successful,” the governor general said.

Deputy Financial Secretary Wayne Jones said the Ministry of Finance continues to lead the charge in facilitating training opportunities for public sector workers.

“Our esteemed awardees, you have been carefully selected, having displayed the desired skills, academic achievements, and tenacity to inspire and lead a greater tomorrow. We, therefore, extend to you warmest congratulations on your selection and remain committed to supporting you throughout your educational journey and as you return to give back through service to Jamaica, land we love,” Jones said.

Top scholarship recipient, Captain Natalie James, who gave the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude on behalf of the recipients, noting that the scholarship programme recognises the sheer relationship between education and national development.

“This occasion is a testament to the commitment of advancing education, fostering talent and igniting the flame of national pride. Through this initiative, we will nurture a cadre of individuals who will harness their knowledge and skills to drive our country’s progress to new heights,” she remarked.

The scholarships were established by the Government in 2020 to offer Jamaican nationals and citizens employed in the public sector the opportunity to obtain postgraduate degrees from competitive, appropriately accredited universities in Jamaica, North America and Europe.

The programme offers 30 graduate scholarships annually at an estimated cost of $1 billion over five years.

Awardees will be provided with a stipend to cover reasonable monthly costs for living expenses, including meals and accommodation.