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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.

Photo Caption: Najae Murray (right), the inaugural award recipient of the Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, shares a light moment with from left: Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Her Excellency, Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica and Parris Lyew-Ayee, Chairman of the JN Foundation.  Occasion was the Chevening scholarship reception held at the British High Commission Kingston on August 22 to present this year’s cohort of Chevening scholars.

The British High Commission in Jamaica and The Jamaica National Group marked a historic milestone with the award of a Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke scholarship, the first Chevening partner award to be established in Jamaica. The fully funded scholarship, named in honour of the late Oliver F Clarke, former chairman of the JN Group and The Gleaner Company, was awarded to Najae Murray, director of public relations and communication at the University Council of Jamaica.

The announcement was made at the British High Commission Kingston on August 22, during a Chevening Scholarship reception to present this year’s cohort of 13 scholars who will be pursuing one-year master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.

Mr Murray, who will be studying Education and International Development at the University College London, is pleased to be selected the inaugural recipient of the scholarship.

“It is an honour I take with great pride to be able to look up to Oliver F Clarke and to know that his legacy will be able to live on through me and the work I would be able to do being granted this opportunity. I will ever be grateful, and I hope to do my best to contribute to Jamaica when I get back,” he said.

Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, pointed out that the two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the British High Commission will provide one scholarship each year to support an outstanding Jamaican scholar to pursue academic excellence in the United Kingdom and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to drive transformation in Jamaica and beyond.

“For the past four decades, Chevening scholarships have been synonymous with fostering future leaders who possess the passion, intellect and determination to effect positive change.  These scholarships have provided exceptional Jamaicans with the opportunity to expand their horizons, deepen their expertise, and return to Jamaica equipped to contribute to their country.”

“The Chevening/JN Oliver F Clarke Scholarship will continue this tradition, focusing on areas critical to Jamaica’s development, including social justice, public administration, data analytics, information technology, and education. These areas align closely with the interests and legacy of Oliver F Clarke, who championed education and social justice throughout his career,” the chairman explained.

Her Excellency, Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, commended the JN Foundation for its initiative in co-founding the scholarship award.

“We hope that JN’s trailblazing move to partner with us in this scholarship, will inspire more Jamaican companies to partner with Chevening,” she stressed.

“Chevening remains the British government’s flagship scholarship programme for nurturing global leaders and enabling them to flourish academically, professionally and also culturally.”

Close to 300 applications for the scholarship awards were received locally.

Ambassador Slator, who likened the competitive scholarship award selection to the track and field trials for the Olympics, pointed out that since the inception of the Chevening Scholarship 40 years ago, 60,000 persons around the world, more than 315 of them Jamaicans, have benefitted. As a requirement, the scholarship recipients must return to their home country to contribute their enhanced skills to its development.

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, pointed out that the government is looking forward to working with the scholars on their return to leverage the knowledge, experience and expanded opportunities that they will bring back to Jamaica in order to achieve national development goals.

“Each year, Cheveners are given access to some of the finest tertiary institutions across the UK which provide education grounded in the newest trends, cutting-edge technologies, thought leadership, technologies and methodologies that are not yet here in Jamaica,” she related.

In addressing the scholarship recipients, Mr Lyew-Ayee emphasised the associated responsibilities of their scholarship award.

“Build and maintain a network of people who can support your vision and your efforts to build your community and country. These are not only people who can provide you with opportunities, but people who you can rely on to sharpen your perspectives and strengthen your cause.”

“This scholarship is a gift, and with it comes the responsibility to support others. Whether through mentorship, community service, or leadership, or any other altruistic means, use your talents and resources to uplift others. Your success is intertwined with the wellbeing of your community. As you rise, bring others with you,” he encouraged them.

This year’s cohort include Leneka Rhoden, Janielle McKoy, Nathanael Amore, Renee McDonald, Shantal Artwell, Oluwatomilayo Edokpa, Tajay Grant, Sayeed Bernard, Najae Murray, Jomarie Malcolm Gordon, Anthony McKenzie, Toni-Ann Taylor and Sonya Murray. They will be pursuing diverse fields of study to include energy and climate change, sports biomechanics, data science and analytics, education and international development, law regulation compliance, brand management, technology and telecommunications.

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.