The Jamaica Constabulary Power (JCF) has entered right into a landmark settlement with the JN Foundation, the World Highway Security Partnership (GRSP), and the FIA Basis to launch a nationwide programme geared toward enhancing motorbike security via stricter enforcement of helmet legal guidelines.
The settlement was formalised in the course of the current ‘Heads-Up!’ Regional Assume Tank held on the AC Lodge in New Kingston. Hosted by the Nationwide Helmet Carrying Coalition—a mission of the JN Basis in collaboration with the Nationwide Highway Security Council and funded by the FIA Basis—the discussion board marked a pivotal second in Jamaica’s combat towards street visitors fatalities.
The 2-year coaching programme will give attention to equipping legislation enforcement with the instruments, coaching, and management growth essential to enhance helmet use compliance. It goals to cut back the excessive incidence of motorcycle-related deaths and severe accidents, notably these attributable to the non-use of standard-approved helmets.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr Gary McKenzie, who signed on behalf of the JCF, underscored the life-saving influence of helmets.
“Once we take a look at what we’ve gathered, over 75 per cent of those that died suffered severe head accidents. That tells us their heads weren’t protected,” McKenzie mentioned.
“We should guarantee everybody—riders, passengers, households, and communities—understands the significance of helmets. Helmets save lives.”
Parris Lyew-Ayee, Chairman of the JN Basis, hailed the signing as a milestone of nationwide and regional significance.
“This settlement is far more than a procedural step—it’s a robust assertion of unity and dedication to defending lives,” Lyew-Ayee mentioned. “We imagine this partnership will additional empower the JCF to be a ‘drive for good’, selling motorbike security and upholding requirements that save lives.”
Dave Cliff, CEO of the GRSP, praised the collaboration as a mannequin initiative in international street security.
“This daring initiative pairs enforcement with schooling and engagement—an efficient mixture for altering behaviour. Jamaica is sending a robust sign that it’s severe about tackling preventable street visitors accidents,” Cliff mentioned.
Delroy Simpson, Chief Technical Director on the Ministry of Nationwide Safety, talking on behalf of Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang, famous that whereas helmet enforcement has improved, sustained behavioural change would require each enforcement and schooling.
“We should have interaction our communities, notably our younger males, to vary perceptions and encourage accountable driving,” Simpson mentioned.
The signing events dedicated to speedy and coordinated implementation of the programme, with help mechanisms together with communication methods, funding, legislative advocacy, and stakeholder mobilisation.
The initiative comes at a time when motorcycle-related crashes stay a significant public well being concern in Jamaica and throughout the area.
