Author Archives: JN Foundation

Jamaica is set to take a major step in the coming days towards enforcement of helmet wearing. In a multi-agency initiative, led by the JN Foundation, a capacity-building training activity is to be undertaken, aimed at empowering the JCF to improve enforcement strategy for motorcycle helmet safety.

Jamaica’s Road Traffic Act requires all motorcyclists and pillion riders to wear a correctly sized protective helmet with the chinstrap always fastened, as outlined in the Fifth Schedule of the regulations. The legislation further mandates that helmets must meet approved safety standards, and that every motorcycle sold must be accompanied by a compliant helmet. Offences created by the legislation are specific only to the manufacturers and importers.

The training is being conducted under the auspices of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) for members of the Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) of the Jamaica Constabulary (JCF), with the first round to be conducted March 25-27.

The coalition, whose initiatives are managed by the JN Foundation, is an amalgam of various local and overseas road safety interests, including the National Road Safety Council, the FIA Foundation and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP).

The training programme forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2025 between the JCF, GRSP and partner agencies, paving the way for a structured capacity-building effort targeting the enforcement of motorcycle helmet laws. During that visit, Dave Cliff, chief executive officer of GRSP, and his team assessed the JCF’s current approach to helmet enforcement and produced a detailed report and training plan to guide the rollout.

The first phase of training will run from March 25 to 27, targeting 25 potential trainers within the JCF. The programme incorporates classroom instruction and practical outdoor components and will unfold across several phases. The training is expected to be integrated into the JCF’s institutional training framework.

Representatives from all partner agencies underscored the national importance of the initiative, noting its potential to significantly impact public safety outcomes. Motorcycle injuries and related deaths account for a significant portion of road trauma in Jamaica. The Island Traffic Authority reports that there were 111 motorcycle fatalities last year, and so far, this year 11 have been recorded.

Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, which leads implementation of the NHWC, says the partnership represents a critical investment in Jamaica’s safety and supporting enforcement.

“Strengthening enforcement capacity is essential if we are to reduce preventable motorcycle injuries and fatalities. We believe this investment in the JCF will make it possible,” she said.

Underscoring the significance of the programme’s launch, Mr. Cliff noted that the JCF has shown strong commitment to enhancing road safety enforcement.

“Our assessment made clear that targeted [and] sustained capacity building can make a measurable difference, and we are pleased to work alongside Jamaican partners to deliver international best-practice training,” he said.

The JCF has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the impact it will have on frontline policing.

“This training will strengthen our officers’ ability to enforce helmet wearing laws and identify stipulated standards of helmets in Jamaica consistently and effectively. Motorcycle crashes remain a major contributor to road trauma in Jamaica, and this collaboration helps ensure we are better equipped to protect lives,” said Senior Superintendent of Police, Lloyd Darby of PSTEB.

The partners outlined that a robust public communication campaign will accompany the training rollout to maximise visibility and reinforce national education on motorcycle safety.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that helmet wearing reduces the risk of death by 42 per cent and serious head injury by 69 per cent. Yet, research conducted by Market Research Services Limited in 2023 shows that 40 per cent of motorcycle drivers in Jamaica do not wear helmets while riding and 31 per cent of pillion passengers never wear helmets.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) across the region have been urged to treat financial management as a strategic tool for survival and growth. The advice was provided by Rose Miller, financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, while addressing delegates at the Caribbean CSO Conference and World NGO Day celebration in Jamaica, recently.

Delivering a presentation under the theme ‘Sustaining Vision Through Strategic Financial Management’, Mrs Miller challenged organisations to move beyond basic bookkeeping and adopt financial strategies that directly influence programme continuity, innovation and long-term impact.

“We budget in our personal lives, and it’s the same thing for our businesses,” she told the audience from several Caribbean countries at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, stressing that forecasting and disciplined monitoring are essential to ensuring bills are paid, obligations are met and programmes remain on track.

She underscored that accountability, reporting and good governance are no longer optional. Without strong oversight structures, she warned, organisations risk losing credibility and jeopardising their mission. She pointed to Social Return on Investment (SROI), proper tracking of funds and clear reporting systems as critical components of modern CSO management.

Commitment to the organization’s vision and mission, she explained, protects them from “mission drift”, which is the tendency to pursue funding opportunities that fall outside their core mandate. “Sometimes we go after funding from anywhere,” she noted, cautioning that overextending capacity can dilute outcomes and weaken impact.

The financial education consultant also highlighted the dangers of relying on a single funding stream. Drawing parallels with personal finance, she encouraged CSOs to diversify revenue sources to remain resilient, in the face of reduction in donor funding or economic shocks arising from natural disasters.

Referring to the impact of Hurricane Melissa, Mrs Miller said crises expose weaknesses in organisations that operate without reserves or adequate risk management tools. She encouraged CSOs to build financial buffers equivalent to three to six months of operating expenses and to consider insurance as part of their risk mitigation strategy.

“When we have no operating reserves, that presents challenges,” she said, noting that some organisations were forced to close their doors following Hurricane Melissa because they could not absorb the shock.

The CSO’s were also warned not to fall into common financial pitfalls: these include weak internal controls, poor documentation, blurred lines between personal and organisational accounts, and inadequate board oversight. She stressed that approval processes, proper separation of duties, and clear financial policies are fundamental to the stability of the organization and its mission.

In Jamaica, she reminded participants, compliance is closely monitored by the Department of Cooperative and Friendly Societies, making governance and timely reporting even more critical.

In keeping with the theme of the conference, ‘The Shift, Igniting Civil Society’s Next Chapter’, Mrs Miller said a significant shift in how financial resources are managed must take place beginning now. She urged organisations to treat finance as a driver of decision-making rather than simply a back-office function.

To guide that shift, she presented four pillars for strategic sustainability: purpose-driven budgeting, proactive cash flow management, strong risk and compliance systems, and diversified funding.

Purpose-driven budgeting, she explained, ensures that spending aligns with the mission and priorities, with clear distinctions between programme and administrative costs. Cash flow management requires tracking inflows and outflows, forecasting delays in grants and updating projections regularly so leaders can respond quickly to challenges.

On risk and compliance, she called for active governance structures, consistent reporting schedules, updated financial policies, and regular audits. Though audits may be costly, she described them as an essential investment in credibility and donor confidence.

She encouraged organisations to expand funding models beyond restricted grants and contracts to include individual donors, major contributors and income-generating activities. While grants often come with strict conditions, diversified and funding can provide the flexibility and resilience needed to weather disruption.

“Finance enables the mission,” she said, emphasising that disciplined financial management ultimately strengthens community impact.

Her message resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom acknowledged the growing demand from funders and regulators for transparency, accountability and strategic oversight.

As Caribbean CSOs navigate an increasingly complex operating environment, Mrs Miller’s call was clear: sustainable vision requires strategic financial leadership.

Even with years of experience in finance, Senior Accountant, Sherry-Lee McLean, says enrolling in the JN Financial Academy’s Smarter Credit Course offered fresh insight and practical lessons that have further strengthened how she approaches money management.

Working in the financial services industry, she explained that her decision to enroll was driven by professional curiosity. After seeing information about the course through the JN Group E-newsletter, she decided it was an opportunity worth exploring.

“I just wanted to see what the course was about and if there was anything that I needed to know, just for knowledge’s sake,” she said.

Despite her background, the course proved to be insightful and informative. She pointed to debt management strategies as one of the areas where she gained new understanding.

“I knew about debt consolidation as a way of paying off loans, but I didn’t know about the snowball and the avalanche methods,” she shared, noting that the course helped her to clearly understand terminology and concepts she had previously encountered informally.

The interactive elements also stood out, particularly those focused on budgeting.

“I used to record my expenses, but I wouldn’t normally do a budget, per se,” she said. “The budgeting activity was very informative. I found the course educational and, most importantly, helpful.”

She added that the course offered practical, real-life lessons that many people often overlook. One example was guidance on preparing for annual expenses such as motor vehicle insurance payments by setting aside small amounts each month.

“A lot of us don’t think that way,” she said. “But by budgeting for these expenses monthly, you will ensure that you actually have the money when the payment becomes due.”

According to her, the design of the Smarter Credit Course makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of financial knowledge.

“It’s easy to navigate, the material is clear, and the presenters break things down in a way that even someone with no background in finance can understand,” she said. “It’s for anybody, and there’s always something new to learn.”

Rose Miller, financial education consultant at the JN Foundation, underscored the importance of financial education in empowering individuals to make better decisions.

“The Smarter Credit Course is designed to help Jamaicans at every stage of their financial journey build confidence in how they understand and manage money and credit ,” she related. “By improving financial literacy, participants are better equipped to avoid common pitfalls, reduce debt stress, and plan more effectively for the future.”

The course consists of a self-paced portion, complimented by  a series of webinars. The next webinar will take place on February 25.

Members of the public are invited to enroll in the Smarter Credit Course by registering on the JN Financial Academy’s website at jnfinancialacademy.com.

The JN Financial Academy is administered by the JN Foundation.

For this senior accountant, the experience reinforced a simple truth: there is always something new to learn and the area of finance is no exception, even for financial professionals.  And this learning can lead to smarter choices and greater financial well-being.

The start of a new year brings a wealth of possibilities, key among these is the opportunity to take control of your finances and build healthier money habits. With rising costs, unexpected expenses and economic uncertainties following the passage of Hurricane Melissa having a clear plan can make a significant difference to your financial outcomes, according to Rose Miller, financial education consultant at the JN Foundation.

She recommends this seven-point New Year financial checklist that will provide practical steps to help individuals and families set realistic goals and make smarter financial decisions throughout the year.

1. Review Last Year’s Spending

Begin by looking back at your spending habits and expenses from the previous year. Pick out areas where you may have overspent and identify ways to reduce unnecessary spending. Understanding past habits is a great first step towards change and improvement.

2. Create or Update Your Budget

A budget is the roadmap for managing your money. List all sources of income and outline monthly expenses, ensuring essentials such as rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries are included. A consistent and disciplined approach to this exercise will be highly rewarding.

3. Set Clear Financial Goals

Define what you want to achieve financially in the coming year. Goals may include building an emergency fund, reducing or paying off debt, saving for education, or starting a small business. Whatever the goals, be realistic, not only with each goal but also about the timelines for achieving them. And remember, track your progress regularly.

4. Prioritise Saving

Make saving a non-negotiable part of your financial plan, by making it a fixed expense. Aim to save a percentage of your income consistently. Start where you can even if it’s small, the outcome at the end of the year will surprise you. To increase your chances of success and build discipline, automate the process by having the funds transferred directly to your savings account

5. Build an Emergency Fund

Unexpected expenses can disrupt financial stability. Strive to save at least three to six months of living expenses this will improve resilience and help protect you and your family from financial shocks.

6. Tackle Debt Strategically

Review outstanding debts and focus on paying down those with highinterest first since these are more costly. At the same time, avoid accumulating new debt unless it is absolutely necessary.

7. Plan Before Spending

Avoid impulse purchases by planning and remaining focused. Create shopping lists and spend according to the limits of your budget. Do not be swayed by attractive deals which can easily railroad your plans. Be intentional when you spend, always bearing your goals in mind.

“Revisit your financial plan every few months to assess progress and make adjustments. Life changes, and your financial plan should adapt accordingly,” Mrs Miller recommends.

She emphasised that the journey to financial security is never an easy one, but starting the year with a financial check-up and a checklist can help turn intentions into action. “With planning, consistency and discipline, the new year can be a giant step towards greater financial security and peace of mind,” she pointed out

After years of using debit cards and only recently venturing into credit cards, Ana Miles with her occupation in marketing, admits she did not fully understand the complexities of credit management.

That changed after enrolling in the JN Financial Academy Smarter Credit course, a financial literacy programme designed to help Jamaicans better understand credit, loans and debt management strategies.

“I thought a credit card was as simple as using it and making a payment,” Miss Miles shared. “What I didn’t understand was how easily balances can roll over, how interest works, and how quickly things can get out of hand if you’re not careful.”

Miss Miles said her decision to sign up for the course came at a critical time. She recognised the need to take a more proactive approach to manage her credit obligations and to better understand effective financial strategies, rather than learning through trial and error.

One of the most impactful lessons for her was learning about structured debt repayment methods, including the snowball and avalanche approaches.

“I had heard about these concepts before, but the course really broke them down in a way that made sense,” she said. “It helped me see that managing debt doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.”

Since completing the course, Miss Miles has adopted more disciplined financial habits. She now keeps a written budget, tracks her expenses, and prioritises making payments on time. She also maintains regular communication with creditors, rather than waiting for collection calls.

“I’m organising my finances in a way that works for me,” she noted. “I’m staying on top of payments, even if they’re small, and that alone has made a difference in how confident I feel.”

While she has not yet made major credit-based purchases, Miss Miles believes the knowledge gained has better prepared her for future decisions.

“It’s about getting ahead of the game. Now I know I need to educate myself before jumping into anything, whether it’s another credit card, a loan, or eventually buying a home.”

Miss Miles encourages others who may be unsure about their financial knowledge to consider the Smarter Credit course.

“If you want to go beyond just swiping a piece of plastic and really understand how credit works, this course is worth it,” she said. “There are so many things happening behind the scenes that affect your credit, and you need to know where to find that information and how to manage it properly.”

Rose Miller, financial education consultant with JN Foundation, said that the Smarter Credit course empowers participants with practical tools to build healthier financial habits and make informed credit decisions.

She highlighted the upcoming January 2026 cohort, encouraging participants to start the new year by focusing on building strong credit habits. The first of three webinars is scheduled for January 28 with the remaining two slated for February 11 and 25. Members of the public are invited to enroll to take the course by registering on the JN Financial Academy website at jnfinancialacademy.com.

“The Smarter Credit Course is a free, self-paced, practical, easy-to-follow programme designed to help you manage your credit and make smarter financial decisions,” she said. “Whether you want to improve your credit score, better understand credit reports, or position yourself for future opportunities, this course provides you with the tools and guidance you need. You will benefit from expert insights from industry professionals, real-world examples, and practical strategies you can apply immediately,” she added. Mrs Miller disclosed that participants will get immediate access to course material once enrolled for the course.