Chevening Scholar Sayeed Bernard eyes strengthened governance

Twenty-six-year-old attorney-at-law and journalist Sayeed Bernard is set to make a significant impact in Jamaica’s policy landscape after completing his Master of Laws at Queen Mary University of London.

Bernard, a 2024 Chevening Scholar from Linstead, St Catherine, has overcome numerous challenges to reach this milestone while being driven by his mantra: ‘I stop at nothing’.

Growing up in a single-parent household, Bernard’s determination and resilience were fuelled by his desire to create a better life for himself and his community.

“My life story, thus far, reminds me that I didn’t necessarily have all the resources needed to get to where I am, but I fought for it,” he told The Gleaner after the British High Commission in Jamaica last week hosted a United Kingdom (UK) Scholarship Welcome Home Reception to celebrate the Jamaican recipients of the 2024 Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, who recently returned to the island after completing postgraduate studies in the UK.

TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Bernard’s experience at Queen Mary has been “transformational”, refining his thinking and strengthening his resolve to serve Jamaica.

“It was intellectually stretching, deeply humbling, but also deeply personal,” he said, as he reflected on his experience in the UK.

“Living and studying at Queen Mary pushed me in ways I expected academically, but it also strengthened me personally.”

With a focus on corporate governance and criminal justice reform, Bernard aims to contribute to policy development and promote fairness and efficiency in Jamaica’s justice system.

“Reform is not about outrage; it’s about architecture,” he said.

“If you want to fix a system, you must understand its incentives, its weaknesses, and its pressure points.”

Bernard believes Jamaica can benefit from structured corporate governance codes and independent board appointment frameworks.

“Board seats should not be perceived as political rewards. They are fiduciary responsibilities,” he emphasised. He also advocates for a fully integrated digital case-tracking system to increase transparency and reduce delays in the justice system.

GLOBAL ACCESS

The Chevening Scholarship has given Bernard access to a global network of leaders and changemakers.

“The advantage of the Chevening Scholarship is that once you become a scholar, you’re now a part of a global network,” he said. “That network will go a far way in helping you to make the changes you need to, to achieve the goals that you want to achieve, and, most of all, embrace your leadership potential.”

Bernard encourages Jamaicans to seize this opportunity. “It needs young people who are invested in their country, committed to growing themselves through scholarship, and pouring back into their country.” He believes his experience and skills will enable him to make a meaningful contribution to Jamaica’s development.

With his return to Jamaica, Bernard is aiming to make a difference, believing his story serves as inspiration for young Jamaicans.

“The resilience behind it all is understanding that it doesn’t really matter where you come from; it really matters where you see yourself going, and if you use that to propel you.. then there is no world where you could imagine yourself that you’re not successful.”

antoine.lodge@gleanerjm.com