From blazes to briefings: Old Harbour firefighter rise to Jamaica House Fellow

Now serving as one of six youth professionals selected by the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) Jamaica House Fellowship Programme, he is the only male in his cohort. The fellowship, which is designed to increase the capacity of young leaders in public service, places fellows in strategic ministries to observe, contribute, and develop critical administrative skills. 

Assigned to the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport (MSET), Brown works closely with Minister Daryl Vaz and the permanent secretary and plays a key role in supporting the rollout of initiatives such as the Rural School Bus Programme and the accelerated nuclear energy strategy. 

“I’m here to not just guide, but to provide technical expertise on GOJ policies and initiatives,” he said in an Old Harbour News exclusive.

His selection for the programme, which commenced September 16, 2024, came with a personal cost: resigning from a career in the Jamaica Fire Brigade that began in 2016 and included duties as an instructor at the training school. 

A native of Succaba Gardens in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, he credits his early leadership at Old Harbour High School — where he served as student council president and sat on the school board — for setting the foundation for his journey. Despite financial barriers, he managed to secure a scholarship to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, thanks to the intervention of the then-president who heard of his situation and personally ensured his enrolment.

For Brown, the transition from a front line responder to a Jamaica House Fellow has been eye-opening. “You really don’t understand some of the challenges policymakers face until you’re inside the system,” he said. “There’s a lot more reading, a lot more process, and certainly no shortcuts. I thought I’d breeze through because of my past experience in youth leadership, but this is different.”

Still, the experience is sharpening his literacy, writing, and interpersonal skills. While many fellows see the programme as a stepping stone into politics, he sees his future in administration. “I’ve had to grow... from attending post-cabinet briefings to sitting with Minister Vaz, it’s all about delivering factual, clear, policy-relevant material. Politics has never been my goal. Administration is the backbone of governance, and that’s where I want to make an impact,” said Brown. “My ultimate goal is to serve in the capacity currently held by the Governor-General — or whatever equivalent role emerges under constitutional reform. I want to be a symbol of administrative excellence for Jamaica.”

He’s also setting his sights on international platforms, such as the United Nations and a deeper role within the Commonwealth. Though currently involved in managing one of their youth networks, he sees these spaces as critical arenas for learning and contribution. His long-term vision involves diving deeper into international service, acquiring a broad perspective that he can bring back home to strengthen Jamaica’s development agenda. 

“I've been garnering the civil service and right now, I’m just touching the surface... but I plan to deepen my involvement so that I can return to Jamaica with global insight, ready to help implement meaningful change,” he said. 

Yet, even with global ambitions, his sense of purpose remains rooted in Old Harbour as he is guided by a sense of responsibility to give back to his community. It’s where his values were shaped, where service became second nature, and where gaps in representation first sparked his passion for leadership. From volunteering to national youth leadership, every step has strengthened his understanding of representation and the value of walking a path that others can follow, especially in spaces where ambition is often stifled by limited access and opportunity.

“Growing up in Old Harbour, I saw a lack of visible role models, especially for young men. If it is that we are to really follow some of the persons that are in our space, they themselves don't understand what is required of them. That’s why I make it a point of duty to be informed, well-trained, and ready to share the knowledge,” said Brown.

His story is one of bold transitions, from the fire brigade to the policy table, from community leadership to the global stage. But beyond the titles and accolades is a young man driven by a desire to serve. Through every shift, he’s carried the same mission: to serve with purpose, lead with principle, and inspire through action. With each move, he’s not just changing careers, he’s proving that public service isn’t just a profession — it’s a lifelong promise.