‘Marked’ for greatness

Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship awardee hopes to influence policy decisions with PHD

AS the first of his siblings to complete high school and move on to complete undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Mark Davis says he always knew himself to be a high achiever who innately possessed a drive for excellence. Fast-forward to 2022, the 35-year-old is now well on his way to completing a PHD in Governance and public policy through the government-funded 2022 Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Hailing from the parish of Clarendon, Davis grew up in Palmers Cross in a little community called Rum Lane with his parents and older siblings in a lower middle class family. He describes his household as strict, with a father who was a policeman and a mother who was heavily involved in church.

As the last child for both his parents, he shared that they ensured he had the resources to do well academically and develop other skills.

“I had a relatively good background growing up, in terms of guidance and support from my parents. I wasn’t wanting for anything, I think they did an excellent job in helping me to get to where I’m at now by ensuring all the necessary resources were in place,” he said.

Davis shared that his love for leadership and service blossomed from his boyhood when he attended May Pen Primary School and later Glenmuir High School.

“I was in student council from primary school, that’s where it started, and I was head boy at Glenmuir. I think I learned a lot from my father, in terms of leadership and just giving my best in everything that I do. Growing up and seeing my brothers and sisters not necessarily being able to accomplish or meet the expectations of my parents, I think that drove me to ensure I did that,” he said.

Davis’s leadership qualities later expanded at the tertiary level when he became involved with The University of the West Indies Guild of Students and became deputy chairman of Rex Nettleford Hall between 2007 to 2008.

A love affair with governance and public policy

After graduating from Glenmuir High School in 2005, Davis’s academic journey continued to The University of the West Indies, Mona where he pursued an undergraduate degree in economics and statistics. From there his passion grew for nation-building and he went on to pursue a master’s degree in government, political theory, and contemporary politics.

“I’ve always tried to identify, even from a very young age, how it is that I’m going to contribute to my country and national development… growing up with a strong sense of leadership, management, and governance, I thought that was the best way I could give of my time and effort to ensure that we do have a public service and a system that meets the needs of the people,” he said.

He shared that after assessing and analysing Jamaica’s position from a public policy standpoint, he knew that was an area he needed to remain in to have a real impact on how government decisions can improve the lives of average Jamaicans.

Marcus Garvey Public Sector Graduate Scholarship recipient Mark Davis.