news, nhwcOctober 2, 2024

Near-Death Experience Highlights Importance of Helmet Safety for Veteran Motorcyclist

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.”      

Read more
grantfundingOctober 2, 2024

Forty-seven high performing PEP students to be Celebrated by JN Foundation

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen, third right at the back, general manager of the JN Foundation, and Parris Lyew-Ayee, (second right, back row), chairman of the JN Foundation take a group photo with last year’s scholarship recipients of JN Group members of staff.

On Sunday, October 6, the JN Foundation will formally award 37 five-year scholarships, and 10 one-time grants to students who excelled in this year’s Grade 6 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam, at its annual scholarship awards ceremony scheduled for the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Claudine Allen, general manager at the JN Foundation, notes that the annual event recognises Jamaica’s brightest young minds and celebrates the achievements of new scholars, while emphasising The Jamaica National’s commitment to investing in Jamaica’s future through education and personal development.

“At The Jamaica National Group, we firmly believe that education is the foundation upon which great nations are built. The awards are a part of our wider investments in programmes that enrich the lives of our young people and builds communities nationally,” she said.

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

“The Foundation’s work is fueled by collaboration with entities within the JN Group. And we act on purpose to foster excellence both within and outside the organisation,” she added, noting that the Scholarship Programme provides capacity development opportunities that build the character of the awardees over the five-year period, and celebrates continued academic excellence through a Top of the Class awards to high performers, annually.

The incoming awardees join more than 150 other high school students who benefit annually from the JN Foundation Scholarship programme.

The newcomers will be celebrated and encouraged to thrive through the theme ‘Nourish Your Spark’, at this year’s awards reception.  Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr Kasan Troupe, is slated to be the guest speaker at the ceremony.  

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 programmes, both targeted at improving leadership in rural-based underperforming schools.

Since 2001, The JN Group has maintained a financial literacy programme, 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.

Read more
Omar Wright, Lead, Environment & Community Development at the JN Foundation,
news, nhwcOctober 2, 2024

JN Foundation Launches Photo Advocacy and Visual Arts Competition to Promote Road Safety and Helmet Use

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.

Read more
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.”

Read more
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’.

Read more
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.

Read more
newsJuly 31, 2024

JN Financial Academy to Host Virtual Summer Camp Focused on Building Future Entrepreneurs

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.

Read more
news, nhwcJune 17, 2024

Intl. Donor Impressed with First Meeting of Helmet Coalition

Aggie Krasnolucka, Programmes Director at the London-based FIA Foundation, says Jamaica’s National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) has the potential to be as successful as similar initiatives established around the world, including in Vietnam. Among other things, the work of the Coalition in Vietnam has contributed to the passage of a mandatory helmet law in the country which has saved thousands of lives.

Speaking after the launch and inaugural meeting of the NHWC in Jamaica, the FIA Programmes Director said Jamaica’s Coalition has the capacity to attain similar achievements, noting that each member brings to the table their own skills, knowledge and experience on motorcycle issues and safety.

“Vietnam is a success case but the helmet safety work in Vietnam has been going on for over a decade. Over 15,000 lives and $3.5 billion have been saved, but it takes time. I am very hopeful that we will see similar improvements here in Jamaica. There are people here who have fantastic skills and they’re very well prepared, ambitious and quite enthusiastic about this work,” she said.

The National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Jamaica is public-private partnership comprising the JN Foundation, which is coordinating the project, the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), government, as well as the police, transportation associations, advocacy groups, academia, parish development committees and international organisations. The initiative is being funded by the FIA Foundation- the charity arm of the world governing body for motorsports- and is targeted at raising awareness about motorcycle helmet safety, and promoting the use of certified helmets through regulation and behaviour change.

At the Coalition’s first meeting, members discussed potential activities in line with the action plan frameworks and models. Ms Krasnolucka, said she was impressed by the discussion, but hastened to advise that the success of the project in Jamaica will require concerted effort and input from various levels, including government.

“We need to see the policymakers playing their part, creating policies that are fit for the context and really support the change that we want to see. We want to see the private sector stepping forward and doing their part in supporting activities that will be taking place as part of the action plan of the Coalition,” she said.  “We need to see civil society being proactive, advocating for change; we need media to do their bit to promote good behaviour; and most of all, we need motorcycle riders to be involved in this process,” she stressed.

­Omar Wright, Lead for Environment and Community Development Programmes at JN Foundation, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Coalition during the inaugural meeting. He said members will be expected to attend at least four meetings each year and they may also be called upon to work in one or multiple working groups aligned to the objectives of the Coalition. He also called for members to take the initiative to identify new opportunities and partners that can support the activities and goals of the Coalition.

“We do not have all the information and happenings at the local level, and we will depend on our members to share information about what sort of tactics might work for the population that we are trying to reach,” he said. “We will also call upon members to share their views, their ideas, their suggestions, because we know that together we can create the solutions that we are seeking to bring about,” he added.

Project Manager for Road Safety and Road User Education at JN Foundation, Sydoney Preddie, added that the ultimate priority of the Coalition will be to help reduce the number of motorcyclists experiencing fatal or severe injuries from a collision. Currently, anecdotal data shows that in 80 per cent of collisions involving motorcyclists, bikers and their pillions either die or are severely injured because they were not wearing a helmet.

“We want to see more certified helmets on heads. We want to at least bring down that 80 per cent and so we look forward to working together to achieve that. This project is about promoting helmet safety and highlighting the standards that are in place,” she said.

Read more
Gillian Jackson
newsNovember 29, 2022

Read the Fine Print When Applying for a Loan’- Gillian Jackson

Financial blogger and senior manager for data and analytics at The Jamaica National Group, Gillian Jackson, is cautioning borrowers to carefully read all documents when applying for a loan, as some loans may have hidden fees and charges that will not be in the best interest of the borrower.

“Not all loans are created equal. Some lenders attract their borrowers by advertising an easy process, quick turnaround time. You can get a loan in hours instead of days, but you are paying the cost somewhere else,” she pointed out.

Ms Jackson gave the advice while addressing the ‘Get Smart About Credit’ workshop, organised by the JN Foundation Financial Academy. She was presenting on the topic ‘Helping you Understand Interest Rates’.

She pointed out that sometimes these loans attract high interest rates, use the add-on method of calculating interest; contain hidden fees and charges, such as penalties for late payments; and some lenders will not permit early repayment or even penalise persons for early repayments.

“Be wary of these loans that seem too good to be true. Loans that have associated collateral, such as a house or a car, would typically have lower interest rates than loans that do not,” she informed.

She cautioned consumers that while compound interest is very beneficial when someone is investing, in the context of borrowing, it can cause outstanding loan balances to accumulate rapidly, particularly for high interest rate loans. Compound interest is the interest calculated on the outstanding principal and the interest accumulated over the previous period of a loan or deposit. This means that interest is added onto both the loan amount and interest that was added the month before!

Ms Jackson advised that loans that use a reducing balance method of calculating interest will generally be better than the add-on method, as payments would be consistently lower for the same rate of interest. She further noted that loans that have a clear monthly repayment are also good for persons who are new to debt, or do not have a good track record of repayment.

“Always ask what your interest rate is [when applying for a loan]. Remember to shop around for the best interest rates,” she said.

Ms Jackson was among three presenters who addressed the workshop. The other presenters were Tamara Wilson, acting business development officer, CRIF Information Bureau and Rose Miller, lead of the Financial Empowerment Programmes at the JN Foundation.

The JN Foundation, ‘Get Smart About Credit’ workshop series is an initiative of the newly established JN Financial Academy, which is aimed at empowering Jamaicans to achieve financial freedom by providing information, training and mentorship.

The next workshop will be held virtually December 1 at 1:00 pm. Persons who have missed out on the first sessions are invited to visit the JN Foundation website, www.jnfoundation.com to register for the upcoming workshop.

Read more
grantfunding, newsNovember 29, 2022

Port Maria Hospital Gets Needed Equipment from JN Foundation

Representatives of the Port Maria Hospital in St Mary were elated to receive a donation of medical equipment from the JN Foundation.

The equipment, which comprise an ECG machine, 10 Pulse oximeters, six digital thermometers, a vital signs monitor and a hospital lamp and stand were funded by a grant provided from the JN Foundation.

“JN has always been working with us and to see that we have put forth this project to them, requesting equipment to enhance healthcare and that it has been approved, I can say that we are overjoyed and for sure this will enhance service delivery for our patients,” said Lorraine Brown-Wright, chief executive officer of the Port Maria Hospital.

Dr Powell Sydney, senior medical officer at the Port Maria Hospital, underscored the importance of partnership with the private sector, as he noted that the health sector is in need of critical equipment to improve healthcare.

“These partnerships are clearly critical for us because there is no way that gap can be closed without benefactors and in particular one of the measures… [used to determine] whether a country is developed is actually [the] maternal mortality ratio, which reflects the care that we give to women,” he said.

Dr Sydney noted that there has been a significant decrease in the death rate of women. He said the equipment requested will assist the hospital in managing the care of these patients and other persons with chronic lifestyle diseases.

Jennifer Martin, board director of the JN Foundation, said the JN Foundation was pleased to make the donation of critical equipment that will improve the service offered by the hospital to the general public. The idea to fund the project was presented by the Ocho Rios, Port Maria and Gayle chapter of the JN Circle network.

“The Port Maria Hospital is an important institution in this region, serving not only St Mary, but parts of St Ann, Portland and St Catherine, said Mrs Martin.  “Therefore, when the JN Circle recommended that critical equipment be purchased for the hospital, having done an assessment to ascertain your needs, we were happy to support”.

“Today’s donation will assist with the achievement of the Vision 2030 national development goals, as it will improve access to high quality healthcare in the parish of St Mary and communities in other parishes,” she added.

Orlene McNeish, president of the JN Circle Ocho Rios, Port Maria and Gayle chapter, said that the hospital was selected for the donation because of the need for the equipment to improve health care.

“Another thing that has struck me over the past year and preceding years is that we are seeing a flight of medical personnel and we know that we have the best. We do not want to see [our medical staff] leaving Port Maria Hospital. Today, we are bringing in equipment that is going to make the jobs [medical staff] easier and so you can attract well needed talents,” she said.

“So instead of seeing resignations, we want you to see resumes coming into Port Maria Hospital. That is part of the dream and the vision we have for the parish,” she added.

The JN Foundation last year issued a call for proposals for projects that will improve communities. The Foundation committed up to $1.5 million in financing available for each project. The Port Maria Hospital was one of seven projects that were awarded grants. The projects covered a range of social development, education and health initiatives in communities across six parishes. 

Read more