Police Constable Encourages Others to Take up Marcus Garvey Graduate Scholarship

One would not immediately associate the profession of accounting with law enforcement.

Neither did trained accountant, Constable Simone Murray, when she decided to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) some eight years ago.

Now a Policy Analyst in the JCF’s Planning, Research and Development Branch, Constable Murry is proud to be a member of the Force and will be pursuing advanced studies to better serve the organisation and her country.

She is one of this year’s recipients of the Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship, established by the Government in 2020, to offer Jamaican nationals and citizens employed in the public service, the opportunity to obtain post-graduate degrees from competitive, appropriately accredited universities in Jamaica, North America, and Europe.

“I applied because I wanted to further my education, to develop myself professionally. As a member of the JCF’s Policy Unit, I felt I could help the Branch [by learning] more about policy development, so I can better serve the JCF and, by extension, Jamaica,” Constable Murray says.

She is passionate about the JCF and believes that Jamaicans have a lot to offer the organisation, outside of being involved in law enforcement.

“There are so many branches in the JCF. It’s not only about front-line policing. You have architects in the Force; there is more than what meets the eye. There is a wide cross-section of areas that you are able to gain valuable experiences in,” Constable Murray says.

“If you’re a mechanic, you can be a police officer and work in your field as a mechanic. If you’re an accountant, you can be an accountant while working in the JCF as a police officer. I had to write an essay to apply for the scholarship. You have to do your research, as it’s about nation building and how your area of study will benefit Jamaica,” she points out.

Constable Murray, who attained a first degree in Business Administration (accounting emphasis) from the Northern Caribbean University in 2011, tells JIS News that she was overjoyed to learn that she was awarded the scholarship, as she could not afford to pay for a second degree.

“I know that being selected for the scholarship is just the beginning. I know that… I am indebted to Jamaica,” she notes.

Persons who receive the Marcus Garvey Scholarship are required to serve in the Government for five years after completing their studies.

Constable Murray is among 14 persons who were successful this year. She will be pursuing a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Management or Public Policy.

She is confident that on completing her studies, she will be able to make a difference in the Force.

“It’s not just about being happy that I received the scholarship. They found me worthy to invest in my education which will, in turn, make Jamaica a better place. When I return, after my studies, Jamaica will see that differences will be made in the Policy Unit where I serve,” she says.

Constable Murray encourages other members within the JCF to pursue their dreams of attaining higher education.

“I believe that the training will help the organisation. We have great people in the JCF, and getting more qualified will definitely enhance the Force. You may have a first degree; but that specialised training in specific areas would do well for the JCF,” she points out.

This is the second year that the Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship is being awarded.

The Government has made provision for 30 scholarships to be awarded each year to public sector employees.

The scholarship will cover 100 per cent of tuition costs for the eligible programmes at the participating universities.

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

Constable Murray also urges more persons in the public service to apply.

“The Government has already taken the initiative to pay for your first-class education. Take up the opportunity and get yourself in line for service,” she says.

Constable Murray hopes that by her and other scholarship recipients telling their stories, the 2023 cohort of applicants will increase.

“I believe that next year, they should have so many applications that it will be overwhelming for the panel. That’s what should be happening,” she says.

“People should be making good use of this opportunity that the Government has implemented to help public sector workers. Many of us would like to study further, but there are challenges. This is a great opportunity… make good use of it,” Constable Murray emphasises.

She says persons should ensure they do their research before applying for the scholarship, and trust the process.

“There was nothing tedious about the process. In making your application, you’ll have to write your essays. You will need to do your research now, to see how your area of study will better benefit the organisation that you serve in and, by extension, Jamaica,” she states.

Constable Murray adds that, “it’s all about nation-building… it’s not just about personal development.”

“You have to look at how your area of study will benefit Jamaica, because you are being prepared for service,” she maintains