Sanjay Thompson becomes first Jamaican to receive Global Swede Award

The former St Jago High School alumnus was among 26 high-achieving international scholars to be given the coveted recognition at the annual function held at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

For the past two years, Thompson has been living in Sweden where he’s reading for a master’s degree in criminology at Malmo University, after successfully completing his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of the West Indies.

At Malmo, Sweden’s ninth largest university with an enrollment of 24,000 students, Thompson was nominated following “excellent social, innovative and entrepreneurial performances”.

“I was humbled by the nomination from the Department of Criminology at Malmö University, and now I’m extremely grateful for this top award from Sweden’s government offices,” the Old Harbour native wrote on his Facebook account after receiving the accolade.

He said he’s even more motivated than ever after being recognised.

“If I was not highly motivated I would have missed this entire opportunity,” he said. “Despite sending hundreds of emails for support two years ago, 99% went unanswered.

“But after a strong application to the Malmö University Masters Scholarship, they believed in me in my drive for success.

“After receiving that scholarship I made it clear to my friends and family that I would give it my all and that I did and will continue to do.”

He added: “I am truly grateful for the experience I have had so far, and I look forward to being a good ambassador for Sweden and Jamaica.”