From Hanover to US military: Sutherland siblings united in service

WESTERN BUREAU:

From the tranquil coastal town of Lucea, Hanover, to the exacting corridors of American military academies, siblings Se’rena and David Sutherland are emerging as proud standard-bearers of Jamaican excellence, shaping their journey with discipline, faith, and an unyielding commitment to service.

Though separated by age and rank, the Sutherland siblings share a common mission: service, excellence, and national pride.

At the age of 18, Se’rena entered The Citadel, the historic military college in South Carolina, prepared for sacrifice but unaware of how profoundly the experience would refine her.

Now preparing to graduate, Cadet Major Sutherland has risen to the position of third-in-command of a 135-member squadron in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). This role demands academic excellence, physical discipline, and decisive leadership.

She told The Gleaner that her military pathway stemmed from a single, defining decision, one that set the course for her future.

DEFINING DECISION

“The military is one of the most serious commitments a person can make. You are constantly balancing academic performance, physical standards, and leadership responsibilities,” she said.

Her achievements extend beyond formations and inspections. She earned certification as a medical administrative assistant and is pursuing an associate degree. Her ambition is to study medicine and become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

During Black History Month, Se’rena conceptualised and organised a Jamaica Day celebration on campus, encouraging students to wear the black, green, and gold. What began as a cultural statement quickly evolved into a campus-wide movement, uniting Caribbean students and showcasing their heritage. The initiative has since grown into a formal club that will host the event annually, cementing Jamaica’s presence in the institution’s cultural calendar.

“Put God first and stay focused,” she said, in advising young Jamaicans pursuing big dreams abroad. “Education pays off. You may fail, but failure is part of the process, it is not your endgame.”

Following closely in his sister’s disciplined footsteps is 17-year-old David Sutherland, who is enrolled in a school with a military programme and plans to enlist in either the Air Force or Navy after graduation.

“I felt drawn to military education through AFJROTC because my goal is to enlist in the Air Force or the Navy after high school,” David told The Gleaner. “I wanted to prepare myself early for my future.”

For David, the transition has not been without challenges.

“The biggest adjustments has been adapting to the level of discipline, leadership, and academic expectations; managing time, staying focused, and balancing schoolwork along with other responsibilities,” he said.

Still, he measures growth not only by rank, but by personal development.

“I am most proud of improving my personality and maintaining my grades, which shows my growth both academically and personally.”

FUEL FOR AMBITION

According to David, his Jamaican identity continues to fuel his ambition.

“Being Jamaican has pushed me to stand out, work harder, and take full advantage of the opportunities I have been given,” he said.

Both siblings credit their upbringing in Lucea and the firm, faith-centred guidance of their mother, Shernette Lawrence, an educator and principal of a prominent preparatory school in Hanover. It was she who instilled in them the value of punctuality, discipline, and moral grounding.

Those early lessons now anchor them in environments where excellence is not optional but expected.

Their story resonates beyond individual accomplishment. In a parish often associated with agriculture and small-town life, the Sutherland siblings represent a broader narrative: that Hanover’s youth can compete, lead, and excel on global stages.

Together, Se’rena and David embody a quiet but powerful reminder that faith can steady ambition, discipline can sharpen potential, and resilience can carry Jamaican dreams far beyond familiar shores.

As they continue their respective journeys in uniform, they carry not only personal aspirations, but also the pride of a parish and a nation watching them rise.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com