news, nhwcAugust 22, 2024

‘Not All Helmets are Created Equal… Choose One with Safety Standards’

Photo Caption: Assistant Superintendent Dellon Lewis (left) and Kevon Clayton, member of the National Hemet Wearing Coalition examine a helmet during a planning session that discussed the development of a framework for helmet testing and regulation in Jamaica. The discussion took place a the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, recently. Looking on is Sydoney Preddie, project manager for road safety and road users at the JN Foundation.

Helmets are critical for safety, whether you’re riding a bike, motorcycle, or engaging in any high-risk activity that could result in injuries to the head. However, not all helmets are created equal and understanding the nuances can make the difference between safety and serious injury.

According to Dr Terry Smith, principal scientist at Galeatus and technical consultant for helmet safety supporting the JN Foundation National Hemet Wearing Coalition project, one of the most crucial aspects of a helmet is its compliance with a recognised safety standard.

Speaking to stakeholders in motorcycle safety at a recent workshop hosted by the project, Dr Smith explained that not all helmets meet the same safety standards.

Alluding to the four standards named in Jamaica’s Road Safety Act (RTA), he indicated a preference for the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards (the United States standard) or, the ECE 22 standard (the European Standard), which are  recognised around the world as standards that provide excellent head protection for motorcyclists.

“These standards ensure the helmet will remain on your head and absorb significant impact energy during a crash,” he added.

He warned that there are online and brick-and-mortar retailers who sell what are known as “novelty helmets” that do not meet safety standards. There are also fake DOT labels being sold to put on these unsafe helmets.

“Novelty helmets are unsafe and will not protect you in the event of a crash. They should not be purchased and should not be worn while operating or riding on a motorcycle,” he explained.

Dr Smith, who is a technical consultant to the FIA Foundation, funders of the project, also noted that helmet fit is important. “A helmet that is too loose or too tight can compromise safety. We recommend trying on several helmets to find one that fits snugly without causing discomfort. The helmet should sit level on the head and low on the forehead, with the bottom edge about one to two finger widths above your eyebrows. The chin straps should fit comfortably under your chin when buckled,” he informed.

He explained that everyone’s head is shaped differently, and as such helmets come in different styles – round oval, intermediate oval and long oval. Therefore, it is important to determine the best helmet that fits the shape of one’s head before purchasing a helmet.

The material of a helmet greatly influences its effectiveness. Most helmets are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which absorbs impact energy. Some higher-end models use materials like carbon fibre, which offer superior strength and lighter weight. The outer shell, usually made of polycarbonate or fibreglass, protects against penetration and distributes the impact forces over a large area.

Advancements in technology have led to innovations in helmet design. Concussion reducing technologies such as the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, for example, is becoming increasingly popular. These helmets feature a low-friction layer inside that allows the helmet to slide relative to the head, thus reducing the rotational forces that can cause brain injuries.

Dr Smith cautioned that a helmet that has been involved in an accident should be replaced immediately, even if it shows no visible signs of damage. The foam inside the helmet can compress, reducing its ability to absorb impact.

“Additionally, helmets should generally be replaced every five years, as exposure to sweat, UV rays, and other environmental factors can degrade the materials over time,” he explained.

Proper care can extend the life of your helmet. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in your car, where temperatures can soar and degrade the materials. Clean the helmet with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the interior foam and straps.

Sydoney Preddie, project manager for road safety and road users at the JN Foundation, underscored the importance of wearing a helmet.

“The National Helmet Wearing Coalition is committed to educating motorcycle drivers to identify and correctly use standardised helmets to increase their chances of survival in the event of a crash. We continue to advocate for these helmets within the Jamaican market. Affordable certified standardised helmets are available from numerous international suppliers, making this task achievable within the Jamaican context.”

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newsAugust 22, 2024

JN Foundation Sparks Youth Interest in Vertical Farming

A group of high school students from across Jamaica participated in an eye-opening field trip, organised by the JN Foundation recently, following the Foundation’s third annual Financial Academy Virtual Summer Camp.

The students, ages 12 to 17 years old, gained firsthand experience with vertical farming and other innovative agricultural practices at Tower Farms, located in Kingston. The field trip exposed students to modern farming techniques and encouraged entrepreneurial thinking driven by sustainability.

Jada Sinclair, a 16-year-old student from St Andrew High School for Girls, was particularly inspired by the experience. “Today’s field trip was very unique,” Jada said. “I’ve seen vertical planting on TikTok before, but this was my first time seeing it in real life. It’s making me feel very creative, especially in terms of business ideas.”

Jada, who is set to start sixth form soon, has her sights set on entrepreneurship. She’s already working on a math tutoring business that she hopes will stand out in a competitive market.

“My idea is to create a website where teenagers tutor other students. I think it would be less intimidating for younger students to get help from someone their age.”

The field trip also made a strong impression on Reuel Allen, a 10th grader from Manning’s School in Westmoreland, who expressed newfound respect for agriculture despite not initially being a fan of farming.

“The field trip was very informative,” Reuel said. “I never thought farming could be so innovative,” he said.

Owner of Tower Farms, John Mark Clayton (right) shows students escallion that was cultivated on the farm.

Dimitri Nelson, second-form student at Glenmuir High School in Clarendon, found the experience both educational and inspiring. “It was a new experience for me, and I really enjoyed learning about entrepreneurship in farming. It’s something I might consider as a part-time job in the future.”

However, it was the entrepreneurial values on display that caught 17-year-old Joshua Palmer’s attention. The Calabar High School student who recently completed his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, found the field trip particularly inspiring. “From a business perspective, it was very informative. It taught me about the importance of persistence and dedication.”

The day was marked by discussions on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the future of farming in Jamaica. Owners of Tower Farms, John Mark Clayton and Kerrie-Anne Gray emphasised the importance of teaching young people farming skills that would not only serve them in their personal lives but also contribute to the nation’s agricultural sector.

“Feeding yourself should be taught in schools. You should always learn how to be self-sufficient and resilient. “Of course, this [kind of farming] will reduce the impact on the environmental issues that we are having,” said Mr Clayton.

Ms Gray added, “It’s important to teach kids that farming isn’t just about hard work and dirty boots anymore. It’s about innovation, sustainability and creating opportunities for the future.”

Chevanese Peters, project coordinator at the JN Foundation, said she was happy the students had a rich experience from the field trip and stressed that farming, often seen as an outdated or unappealing career, is in fact a vital and innovative field that continues to be crucial to Jamaica’s future.

The students left the farm not only with new knowledge but also with a deeper understanding of the opportunities that lie in entrepreneurship and modern agriculture. The two-part field trip  also included a tour of the JN Bank Half-Way-Tree branch where the participants experienced innovative processes and technology used in modern banking. Many expressed an eagerness to explore these fields further, whether as a career or a personal hobby.

The field trip was the culmination of a virtual summer camp that was held by the JN Foundation recently under the theme ‘Building the Future Entrepreneur’.

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newsAugust 22, 2024

Dr Charah Watson, Scientist Turned Entrepreneur

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.

The product line of Kihara Cosmetics

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.

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