Author Archives: JN Foundation

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (second right), general manager of the JN Foundation presents a plaque to Charmaine McKenzie (centre), manager of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation Port Antonio branch after outfitting a computer laboratory with equipment. Sharing in the moment from left are Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation; Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and Denise Treasure, president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter.

The capacity of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, located in Port Antonio, Portland, has been strengthened with a donation of computers and chairs to outfit its existing computer lab.

The donation was facilitated by the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and financed by the JN Foundation to the tune of $1.5 million.

Prior to the donation, the centre had no computer equipment and students were only being taught the theories of information technology. The upgraded facility aims to empower young women with practical technological skills and foster opportunities for their advancement, particularly those who faced disruptions on their educational journey.

Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the JN Foundation and its commitment to empowering young mothers through education and vocational training.

Ms Howell, in her remarks at a handover ceremony at the centre recently, expressed gratitude for the donation and continued collaboration with the JN Circle Port Antonio and the JN Foundation.

“We are immensely grateful to the JN Circle and JN Foundation for recognising our needs and stepping in to provide these resources,” said Ms Howell. “This partnership is truly a reflection of the power of community and collaboration.”

“There’s no limit to what we can accomplish together. With partners like JN, we are confident that we can and will transform the lives of even more young mothers across Jamaica.”

She also underscored the ongoing partnership with the JN Foundation and disclosed that the Foundation has provided critical resources, including furniture, equipment, and other necessities, for the centre in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, and now Port Antonio.

Ms Howell proudly shared that the JN Foundation has not only supported the physical infrastructure of these centres but also contributed significantly to the development of educational programmes.

“In 2023, the JN Foundation donated $50,000 to our education and in-stream programme, which provides training, mentorship, and scholarships for our young mothers,” she noted.

Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter, was excited that the project was completed successfully. “It is truly rewarding to see the smiles on the young ladies’ faces as they prepare to embark on this new chapter with the resources we’ve provided,” Rodgers said.

Ms Rodgers shared, “In 2023, when it was time for project selection, this initiative for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation was voted as the top priority. We wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact on young women, providing them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.”

She proudly stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of something that can make a real difference in the lives of young women in our community.” The successful completion of this project is not just a milestone for the JN Circle but a testament to the transformative power of collective action.”

A grateful Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, underscored that the partnership led to the initiative’s success. She acknowledged the contributions of the JN Circle members who identified the needs and worked with the JN Foundation to fill those gaps sustainably.

“This project represents an outcome of true partnership,” she noted, emphasising the foundation’s long-standing commitment to keeping communities at the heart of its development efforts.

She pointed out, however, that there is much more work to be done, signalling a continued focus on future partnerships and projects.

Ms Allen praised the Port Antonio chapter for their dedication and vision. “This is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose,” she remarked. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that empower individuals and uplift entire communities.”

Since its inception in 1978, the Women Centre of Jamaica Foundation has assisted more than 55,000 women, supporting them with resources and guidance to continue their education and personal development. Ms Howell said that the newly established computer lab will serve as a vital tool in this mission, offering courses in information technology to equip participants with essential digital skills for the modern workforce.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the JN Foundation and JN Circle chapters across Jamaica to identify and address pressing community needs.

Photo Caption: Kemesha Clarke (left), public relations officer for the Goshen Community Development Committee (CDC), points out the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl to the Goshen Postal Agency while standing inside the affected building with Hyacinth Greaves (right), a resident of Goshen and member of the JN Circle Santa Cruz chapter.

Three months after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in sections of St Elizabeth, residents of Goshen, particularly pensioners and PATH beneficiaries who rely on the postal agency for their survival, are still feeling the effects.

The category four hurricane that brushed the island on July 3 severely damaged the roof of the postal agency, forcing its closure and the relocation of its operations to the Pepper and Santa Cruz post offices.

The disruption has not only created a significant inconvenience for those who rely on the mail services, but has also halted a vital connection for farmers in the community, who also used the postal agency to consult with specialists from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) weekly.

“This facility serves so many persons in and outside of Goshen, so we’d be more than happy to have it back here to serve our community members instead of them taking a taxi out to Santa Cruz to pick up mail or go out to the RADA office. RADA came here once per week. Also, the Post Mistress sometimes takes her lunch time to bring stuff to the vulnerable and it is more difficult for her to leave Pepper to come to them now,” said Kemesha Clarke, public relations officer for the Goshen Community Development Committee.

Hyacinth Greaves, a resident of Goshen and member of the JN Circle Santa Cruz chapter agreed that the relocation has resulted in a great inconvenience for the community. She explained that while those with vehicles manage, many, particularly the elderly and those without transportation, face added hardships, as the nearest options for the services are now four to six miles away.

“It’s not easy. For those who are vulnerable and those who are sick. They just aren’t able to do it. Some of them do have help in terms of asking a friend or neighbour to collect their mail, but the community would still like to collect their mail in their own community here in Goshen. We really would like to have our postal agency back up and running as quickly as possible,” Ms Greaves said.

She said although there are options to receive utility bills and other information via digital channels, the community is home to a large elderly population who lack the skills and resources to use the technology.

“Some of them are still using their old banger phones and some don’t know how to use online banking and things like that and so we need to remember them. We are seeking the cooperation of those who can help and assist to do so,” she pleaded.

Recognising the importance of the communal space for the community, the JN Group, through the JN Foundation, has targeted the postal agency as one of the beneficiaries for support through the I Support Jamaica Fund, to help with its restoration and strengthen the community in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“Even as the government identifies funds and steps in to support institutions, many continue to face significant challenges. The need is just so great. Places like the Goshen Postal Agency are where we are trying to intervene to pull attention to their need and to of course attract funding to assist,” shared Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, in a recent interview on the St Elizabeth-based community radio station, GT Reggae Radio.

The JN Group launched the I Support Jamaica Fund shortly after the passage of the hurricane to help schools and communal spaces recover from Hurricane Beryl. Donations are still being encouraged. Persons can donate to the fund at JN Bank Jamaica to account number: 2094768349. Details on more ways to donate are also on the JN Group and JN Foundation websites.

“We have made some donations already, courtesy of JN Money and we are making a final push for the month of October and we hope to wrap it up and hand over the funds to the beneficiaries shortly thereafter. We hope to get them in the hands of the beneficiaries in time for Christmas,” Ms Allen said.

The Goshen Sports Complex, another vital communal space, in St Elizabeth also suffered significant damage from the hurricane and is also targeted for support.

“Our efforts are also focused on helping to restore this vital space, so it can once again serve as a place of connection, comfort, and shared memories,” said Ms Allen.

Twelve-year-old Xia Williams, a first-form student at Titchfield High School in Portland, beamed with pride as she accepted her scholarship award. For her, it was a testament to the hard work she had put in.

She was one of 37 students honoured as JN Primary Exit Profile, PEP, scholars by the JN Foundation at a ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Sunday, October 6.

Each student was recognised for their outstanding achievements. Reflecting on the moment, she said, “I was so excited,” her joy and pride shining through as she received the prestigious award alongside her fellow high achievers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony, urged the students to make a mark during their high school years.

“Excellence is within your reach and remember excellence is a habit, that you feed [so it] grows. Feed that habit of excellence, feed your discipline, feed the culture of hard work and appreciation and not entitlement and understand that you can blossom where you are planted,” she said.

Dr Troupe who is also a former JN Scholar told the students that she didn’t go to a preparatory school or traditional high school, but she worked hard and is a testament that anyone can excel if they put their mind to it.

“I am testifying today of the ordinariness who turned out to be extraordinary. Do not let anyone blow out your candle. Light your candle, light that spark bigger and brighter and go light the world,” she said.

Held under the theme ‘Nourish your spark’, Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, urged the recipients to also feed their curiosity.

“You are scholars; therefore, you never stop learning, as the more you expose yourself to new ideas, people, and experiences, the brighter your spark will burn. Read, ask questions, and seek out what excites and challenges you,” he charged.

Mr Lyew-Ayee informed that the Jamaica National Group’s commitment to education has gone beyond monetary assistance.

“Remember, this scholarship is not just a reward for your past achievements but an investment in your future endeavours. We have great faith in your potential and look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions you will make to society,” he said.

A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. Of the amount, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and 20 to children of JN Group staff members who received the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.

Last year, the scholarship programme celebrated 40 years since its establishment. Over the years, The Jamaica National Group has provided financial support for other educational and youth development initiatives, such as the Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee competition, child-month initiatives undertaken by the National Child Month Committee, and the Ministry of Education and Youth’s National Youth Month activities.

The JN Foundation has also invested millions in educational transformation initiatives, such as the Centres of Excellence and iLead programs, both targeted at improving leadership in rural-based underperforming schools.

Since 2001, The JN Group has maintained a financial literacy program, the JN School Savers Programme, at the basic, primary, and secondary levels to foster sound money management practices among children and, since 2013, launched the JN Wise Aspiring Youth Programme, JN WAY, which promotes financial literacy and personal development skills for tertiary students and young adults.

A near-death experience in a motorcycle crash underscored the importance of helmet wearing for Corporal Selvin Smith some eight years ago.

The incident, in which he narrowly avoided severe injuries- thanks to his helmet- took place close to the 100 Man Police Station in Portmore, St Catherine, in 2016.

“At the end of the day, the helmet is the very best way to go,” Corporal Smith commended the headgear, urging motorcyclists, especially young men, to prioritise their safety over ‘style’.

Corporal Smith, who has been riding motorcycles for more than 12 years, outlined that wearing a helmet is an integral part of his routine, in addition to wearing gloves.

“Once I’m going to go on the motorcycle, that becomes a part of the outfit. My helmet and my gloves are things I almost can’t ride without. They mean so much to me,” he explained.

However, that was not his attitude during his early days as a rider. The Corporal admitted that he briefly avoided wearing a helmet.

“It was about the flair of being seen on my motorcycle,” he said, noting that younger riders often associate riding without a helmet with masculinity and ego. However, his perspective changed quickly when he realised the immense risks involved.

Corporal Smith stressed that the benefits of helmet use far outweigh any desire for recognition or to follow a trend. “First and foremost, there is the protection of life,” he said. Even at low speeds, a fall can lead to life-threatening head injuries. He highlighted that certified helmets not only protect riders from impact but also protect the body from coming into contact with debris, wind, and rain, which can obscure vision and increase the chances of a crash.

“Even a drop of rain feels like being struck by a screwdriver when riding,” he said, recalling his own experiences on the road.

As a corporal in the Jamaica Constabulary Force with 23 years of service, Corporal Smith currently trains and educates fellow officers. For the past 17 years, he has taught police procedures, law, and physical training at the National Police College of Jamaica, where he currently serves as a motorcycle instructor. He trains both beginner riders and quick responders, the latter being a specialised team that handles advanced tactical operations. It involves, among other things, using motorcycles in high-risk situations.

Corporal Smith is dedicated to sharing his message and hopes to change the mindset of younger riders and has committed to join the National Helmet Wearing Coalition to re-enforce the message of helmet wearing. Through his role as an instructor, he continues to advocate for helmet use, emphasising that it is the most effective way to protect the lives of motorcyclists.

“We are way more fragile than we think we are,” he underscored.

Sydoney Preddie, project manager for road safety and road users at the JN Foundation, affirmed the Corporal’s point of view, pointing out that motorcycle crashes are likely to result in head injuries, as the head may come into direct contact with hard objects during impact.  

“Head injuries can cause serious, long-lasting effects that may not be fully reversible,” she quipped. “The only effective approach to dealing with head injury is prevention- not letting the injury occur in the first place. It’s all a consequence of an unprotected skull that cannot withstand the shock. The protective helmet is designed to minimise the risk of all kinds of head injuries,” she said.

She noted that the National Helmet Wearing Coalition is preparing to roll out specific activities shortly, targeting the negative attitudes and behaviours towards helmet wearing among motorcyclists in Jamaica. The activities are being administered by the JN Foundation in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council.

“Addressing the negative attitudes and behaviours are going to be critical to curbing the current spate of injuries and fatalities we are experiencing nationally due to motorcycle crashes,” she said, pointing out that the activities to be implemented are backed by pre-existing and baseline research conducted by the Coalition. “The consequences of road crashes impact various aspects of our social and economic development, therefore, reducing them to minimal levels is a priority.”      

Photo Caption: Omar Wright, Lead, Environment and Community Development, JN Foundation

The JN Foundation has opened applications for its Motorcycle Helmet Safety Photo Advocacy and Visual Arts Competition, which aims to empower young Jamaicans to use photography and visual arts as tools for promoting safer road practices, with a focus on advocating for helmet use among motorcyclists and pedal cyclists.

Omar Wright, Lead, Environment and Community Development, JN Foundation, said the competition, builds on the original JN Resolution Project, retaining the core mission of that project to empower youth to use photography as a powerful medium for advocacy. It’s the second initiative by the Foundation to build on the Resolution Project, following last year’s Jamaica 60 Photo Advocacy Competition.

Winners of the Photo Advocacy and Visual Arts Competition will have the chance to win cash prizes valued at J$50,000 and J$150,000.

“This year, participants will be tasked with capturing images that highlight the importance of helmet use on Jamaica’s roads, advocating for safer practices, and raising awareness about road safety,” he explained.

He said the inclusion of visual arts in this year’s competition will challenge younger participants to create artistic helmet designs. This component aims to engage children, who are among the most vulnerable road users, by encouraging creative expressions around safety.

The competition will focus on training and equipping students from secondary, tertiary, vocational and skills training institutions across the island with the technical skills to capture images that inspire safer road usage. Secondary school participants will be organised into teams, although their individual submissions will be judged. Participants enrolled in schools at the tertiary level or who are enrolled in vocational or other skills training institution will participant as individuals. Workshops will provide students with training in photography techniques, advocacy, education on road safety, and their competition assignments.

All participants will be encouraged to submit their entries digitally. Mr Wright said the goal is to create a collection of 20 to 30 impactful images that can be used in exhibits, publications, and road safety campaigns.

Like the last initiative, a panel of assessors, including master photographers, Radcliffe ‘Ruddy’ Roye and Stuart Reeves and representatives from the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) and the JN Foundation, will evaluate the submissions. The top entries will be selected through a preliminary review process, with winners announced at a special awards ceremony in January 2025.

For the visual art component, Mr Wright said students ages 8 to 12 will produce creative art designs for motorcycle helmets. Parents are invited to assist with the application process, but the artwork must be completed solely by the child. A separate panel, including representatives from the JN Foundation and NHWC, will judge the designs, with winners also recognised at the awards ceremony.

Through this initiative, Mr Wright informed that the JN foundation Photo-Advocacy Project hopes to empower 50 to 100 advocates, equipped with knowledge about Jamaican road users and the actions needed to reduce crashes and fatalities.

“By targeting younger audiences and encouraging the use of visual media, the project seeks to fuel road safety awareness across the country, particularly among those aged 16-29, who represent a significant portion of Jamaica’s road users who are dying from motorcycle fatalities,” he explained.

Applications are open to Jamaican nationals enrolled in secondary, tertiary, vocational and skills training institutions for the photo-advocacy component and primary and preparatory schools only for the visual arts competition. Persons can submit their application via the JN Foundation website at jnfoundation.com. The deadline for submissions to the photo-advocacy competition is October 10, 2024, and for the visual arts competition, October 15, 2024.

A decade-long journey of personal struggle and scientific innovation has culminated in the establishment of a thriving business, Kihara Cosmetics. The company, founded by a determined entrepreneur, Dr Charah T. Watson, who is also executive director of the Scientific Research Council, has grown from humble beginnings into a successful enterprise, boasting over 20 unique products.

Dr Watson shared her entrepreneurial journey during a summer camp organised by the JN Financial Academy for 12 to 17 year-olds under the theme ‘Building the Future Entrepreneur’.

She informed that her entrepreneurial journey started while in graduate school, where she formulated and developed products to address her own hair and acne issues. This led to the inception of Kihara Cosmetics.

“My journey began with a desire to solve a personal problem,” she explained. “I suffered from severe dandruff and tried countless products, but none worked for my hair type and lifestyle. This motivated me to use my knowledge and research skills to develop something effective,” she said.

In 2010, she embarked on a quest to formulate a product that would address her dandruff issues without the drawbacks of existing solutions. Six years later, a breakthrough came unexpectedly.

“While getting my hair done, my hairdresser noticed a significant improvement in my scalp health. That’s when I realised I had created a successful formulation,” she said in awe at the summer camp.

This discovery led to the creation of Kihara Cosmetics’ flagship product, the Hair and Scalp Treatment Oil. The company has since expanded its product line, maintaining a commitment to developing products that are practical, affordable and effective, catering to diverse hair types and lifestyles.

Following her graduation, she continued to build her business despite challenges such as a lack of start-up capital and limited access to loans. Her aspiration to be a scientist led her to take a job as a research scientist, eventually being promoted to technical director at Bio-Tech R&D Limited working with renowned business leader and scientist, Dr. Henry Lowe.

During her tenure, she led the research and development portfolios at the company and commercialized several nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products. She also contributed to the launch of Medicanja, a medical cannabis company, applying her expertise in formulation and product development.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Dr Watson emphasised the importance of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. As a mother of four, a business owner and the head of a scientific institution, she advocates for a holistic approach to life.

“You do not have to sacrifice personal fulfilment for professional growth. It takes commitment, tenacity, focus, and self-belief to achieve a balanced, fulfilling life,” she told the participants in the summer camp.

She highlighted that her story is a testament to innovation driven by personal need and professional expertise.

“It serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that even small tweaks to solve everyday problems can lead to significant breakthroughs and success,” she said.

Shanna Kaye Wright Vaughn, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation, said the summer camp accomplished its intentions and Dr Watson’s story and other presenters were able to convey vital information to participants.

“We are pleased that the summer camp met its objectives. The participants were inspired by the presentations, which included entrepreneurs and financial literacy professionals. The participants gained valuable skills and knowledge from all our presenters and insightful takeaways about being entrepreneurs,” she said.

JN Scholar, Johanna Simpson was one of the participants who was most impressed by the presentation from Dr. Watson and thanked her for such an inspiring story, noting how impactful it was on her. Other participants shared that they are motivated to pursue their dreams because of Dr Watson’s story.

The JN Financial Academy summer camp provided a comprehensive understanding of the micro-to-medium business landscape, along with practical advice on implementing and scaling business ideas.

The camp’s curriculum was designed to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs, giving them the tools to become innovators and leaders in their communities. Through interactive sessions and panel discussions with outstanding entrepreneurs and industry experts, participants gained valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship with a unique focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), real estate management, social enterprise and digital media.

Photo Caption: Participants from last year summer camp take a group photo with JN Foundation representatives , Dawnette Pryce-Thompson (fifth, standing from left) and Rose Miller (fourth, standing at right) as they toured the Bank of Jamaica Money Museum as part of the field trip organised by the JN Foundation.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2021-2022 National Report for Jamaica, entrepreneurship is an essential driver of societal health and wealth and is also a formidable engine of economic growth. It is with this in mind that the JN Financial Academy will be hosting a two-day virtual summer camp from July 30 to 31 under the theme ‘Building the Future Entrepreneur’.

Now in its third year, Shanna Kaye Wright Vaughn, lead, youth and education programmes at the JN Foundation said the summer camp is set to combine essential financial literacy with the transformative power of entrepreneurship and is geared at stimulating the entrepreneurial spirits of young persons.

She said this year’s summer camp targeting 12-17 year-old participants, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the micro-to-medium business landscape, along with practical advice on implementing and scaling business ideas.

Mrs. Vaughn added that the camp’s curriculum is designed to inspire and educate young entrepreneurs, giving them the tools to become innovators and leaders in their communities. She said through interactive sessions and panel discussions with outstanding entrepreneurs and industry experts, participants will gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship with a unique focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), real estate management, social enterprise and digital media.

“Participants will learn the fundamentals of financial literacy, enabling them to manage their finances effectively and make informed decisions as they venture into entrepreneurship,” she explained.

There will be two keynote sessions focusing on the importance of STEM and entrepreneurship, to be presented by Dr Charah Watson, executive director of the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica and embracing culture as a social enterprise to be shared by Randy McLaren, chief executive officer and co-Founder of Bresheh.

Carlyle Grant, managing director of Digital Danes, and Keleisha Carter, US-based real estate investor and capital raiser, both past ambassadors from the JN Group-led tertiary initiative, JN Wise Aspiring Youth Programme (JNWAY), will participate in a panel discussion focused on the importance of networking and entrepreneurship.

There will also be presentations from the Companies Office of Jamaica, Junior Achievement Jamaica and the JN Bank (Small Business Loans Division).

“The JN Financial Academy Summer Camp is committed to fostering this spirit of innovation and economic growth in Jamaica. By empowering young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need, the camp aims to contribute to the country’s development and prosperity,” said Mrs. Wright Vaughn.

She informed that the JN Financial Academy aims to empower JN members and potential members to achieve financial freedom by providing information, training, and mentorship to help them make better financial decisions.

“This opportunity to engage high school students about entrepreneurship also highlights a key point from the GEM report as the summer camp aims to promote the essential innovation required not only to exploit new opportunities, promote productivity, and create employment, but also to address some of society’s greatest challenges,” she said.

Interested persons are invited to register for the summer camp by visiting the JN Foundation website, www.jnfoundation.com or social media channels @jnfoundation.