GraceKennedy Foundation defers Birthright Programme to 2027

The GraceKennedy Foundation Birthright Programme will not take place this year with GraceKennedy instead placing its focus on supporting Jamaica’s national recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

According to the Foundation, the next staging of the annual birthright programme has been deferred to 2027.

As a result of the deferment, all applications for the 2026 programme, which opened in September, have been closed. All applications already submitted will automatically be transferred to the 2027 selection pool, provided applicants continue to meet the programme’s criteria.

GraceKennedy Group CEO Frank James emphasised that the decision, while difficult, allows GraceKennedy and its Birthright partners to prioritise recovery, while ensuring the next cohort of Birthright participants enjoy the positive life-changing experience for which the programme is known.

“Our priority must be supporting recovery for our team, customers, communities and our country,” said James. “By rescheduling Birthright to 2027, we are creating the space for that important work to take place, while also ensuring that when our interns arrive, they will experience a Jamaica that is rebuilding stronger than before.”

GraceKennedy Foundation CEO Caroline Mahfood noted that the additional time also provides an opportunity to strengthen the programme.

“Birthright is about enhancing identity, belonging and pride in Jamaica. We want participants to experience the richness of our culture and to see the best of what our country has to offer. Allowing time for our communities to recover ensures that the 2027 cohort will enjoy an even more meaningful and inspiring experience.”

Mahfood added that GraceKennedy is extremely grateful to everyone who has applied so far.

“Our commitment to connecting with the Jamaican diaspora remains strong, and we look forward to engaging with our applicants and alumni as we prepare to welcome our 2027 cohort,” she said.

Further updates, including the opening date for new 2027 applications, will be shared in 2026.

Launched in 2004, the GK Birthright Programme is a cultural immersion and internship, coordinated by the GraceKennedy Foundation. It offers second- and third-generation university students of Jamaican descent residing in the United States, Canada and The United Kingdom the opportunity to live, work, and explore Jamaica during the summer, participating in heritage and cultural tours and placements across GraceKennedy subsidiaries.

The selected participants undertake a five-week professional and cultural internship programme in Jamaica between and offers second and third generation Jamaican university students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience interning at GraceKennedy (GK), while immersing themselves in Jamaica’s rich culture.

The participants engage in various cultural experiences, including museum tours and weekend trips to historical and cultural sites across the island, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of Jamaica. They also intern at a GK subsidiary linked to their career interests.

This internship benefits the candidate in a variety of ways, including practical experience and mentorships. The internship will deepen awareness and connection to the candidates’ Jamaican roots and might help to define future career paths and involvements in the diaspora community. GraceKennedy will provide airfare from major airports, housing, ground transportation and stipend for the selected candidates.

The annual Birthright Programme is a collaboration between GraceKennedy and a number of public and private sector entities who also have a vested interest in nation-building and engaging Jamaican youths in the diaspora.

The 2025 participants in the Birthright were Josiah Royes of Hofstra University in New York; Lauren Roach of the University of Miami in Florida; Kyrah McIntosh of Liverpool Hope University, United Kingdom and Abigail Ralph of McGill University in Montreal, Canada.