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Four students from Jamaican Diaspora selected for 2024 GK Birthright Programme

Published:Friday | June 14, 2024 | 12:06 AM
Alexander Williams (second left), high commissioner of Jamaica to the United Kingdom, presents the successful 2024 GraceKennedy Birthright candidate from the UK, Tariq Brown (third left), with a gift basket following his interview in April. Also pictured a
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Alexander Williams (second left), high commissioner of Jamaica to the United Kingdom, presents the successful 2024 GraceKennedy Birthright candidate from the UK, Tariq Brown (third left), with a gift basket following his interview in April. Also pictured are (from left) Caroline Mahfood, CEO; Crystal-Gayle Williams, project officer of the GraceKennedy Foundation; and Vivienne Siva, community relations officer at the Jamaican High Commission in London.

FOUR UNIVERSITY students of Jamaican descent in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have been selected to participate in the 2024 GraceKennedy (GK) Birthright Programme this summer.

Following a rigorous selection process, the outstanding candidates chosen to participate in the five-week professional and cultural immersion programme are Lauren Walcott from Northwestern University, USA; Madison Thomas from Pomona College, USA; Romari Smith from Queen’s University, Canada; and Tariq Brown from the University of Sussex, UK.

The GK Birthright Programme offers a unique opportunity for second- and third-generation Jamaican university students. From June 12 to July 31, interns will gain professional experience working across various GK business units. While engaged in their daily work, they will also delve into Jamaica’s vibrant culture. This deep dive includes museum tours, excursions to historical sites across the island, and participation in this year’s highly anticipated 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.

“The Birthright Programme was launched in 2004 and has welcomed nearly 60 interns to GraceKennedy. These talented young people return home as ambassadors for Jamaica, fostering a lasting connection between the diaspora and their heritage. Through Birthright, GK is proud to cultivate a sense of belonging for the younger generation of Jamaicans abroad,” said GK Group CEO Don Wehby.

Caroline Mahfood, CEO of the GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF), which coordinates the programme on GK’s behalf, noted, “The enthusiasm these young people exhibit in exploring their Jamaican heritage year after year is truly inspiring. Through this programme, we aim to foster their personal and professional growth while also strengthening their connection to Jamaica.”

To deliver the programme, GKF collaborates with several public- and private-sector partners with a shared commitment to nation-building and engaging the Jamaican youth diaspora. These include the programme’s official airline partner, Caribbean Airlines, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Jakes Hotel, Avis Jamaica, Flow Jamaica, Juici Patties, Island Grill and Restaurant Associates Ltd. GK subsidiaries Hi-Lo Food Stores, Grace Foods & Services, and World Brands Services also lend support.

“We are grateful for all our Birthright partners who play an active role in ensuring that our interns have a well-rounded Jamaican experience,” Mahfood added.

For more information about the GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme, visit www.gracekennedy.com.