KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ensuring that only quality, certified motorcycle helmets enter Jamaica and that riders know how to choose them, was the central focus of a recent stakeholder training that marked a critical step in strengthening motorcycle safety across the island.

The training, hosted by the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) at the Police Officers’ Club in Kingston, brought together 41 stakeholders.

Participants included regulators, enforcement personnel, port officials, and helmet suppliers, all of whom are integral to ensuring the standard moves beyond policy and into practice.

“The coalition, along with our partners, wants to ensure that persons are equipped with the necessary information and knowledge to be able to do their part,” said Sydoney Preddie, lead youth and education at the JN Foundation.

She explained that this preparation is essential at every level of the helmet supply chain, particularly at Jamaica’s ports of entry, where the first line of defence against substandard helmets exists.

“Our goal is to ensure that only quality, certified helmets enter the Jamaican ports,” she added.

According to a release from the JN Foundation, training was designed to build technical capacity by helping stakeholders understand what compliance looks like in practical terms, from inspection and certification requirements to enforcement and retail practices. The session covered key elements such as helmet construction, certification markings, labelling standards, and retention systems, all aimed at enabling accurate assessment before helmets are cleared for sale or distribution.

Expert presentations were delivered by Dr Terry Smith, lead scientist with Galeatus and helmet expert consultant to the FIA Foundation; Dr Wendell Richards, Helmet Technical Committee Member from the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA); and Victor Anderson, Programmes Coordinator at the National Road Safety Council (NRSC).

Dr Smith, who supported the development of the Jamaican helmet standard, highlighted the life‑saving role of certified helmets and the dangers posed by substandard alternatives.

“A certified helmet is not just a piece of protective gear; it is a scientifically tested safety device designed to absorb impact and protect the brain during a crash,” he said. “When riders wear helmets that meet international standards, the evidence shows a significant reduction in the risk of death and serious head injury.”

His involvement was facilitated through the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project, which supports countries in strengthening helmet standards and improving helmet use globally.

Dr Richards outlined the NCRA’s enforcement approach once the standard takes effect, with particular emphasis on monitoring imports at Jamaica’s ports.

“Our approach at the ports is risk‑based and standards‑driven,” Dr Richards said. “We will work to ensure that imported helmets meet the requirements of the national standard by conducting pre-shipment inspections. This includes assessment of certification, labelling and test results, so that non‑compliant products are intercepted before they reach the market.” He added that surveillance in the domestic market will complement pre‑shipment inspections.

He noted that close colloboration with the Jamaica Customs Agency and other border authorities will be crucial, especially during the early stages of implementation.

Helmet suppliers and distributors also actively participated in the training session, using the opportunity to seek clarity on inspection procedures, documentation requirements, certification expectations, and compliance timelines. Some suppliers expressed concern about the potential financial impact of the standard, particularly the possibility of losing money on helmets already in stock once the standard is fully operationalised.

Organisers acknowledged these concerns and said the engagement was intentional, allowing suppliers to understand their responsibilities while also ensuring transparency around enforcement expectations and transition arrangements.

For Preddie, educating retailers and consumers is just as important as regulating imports.

“We also want motorcyclists and their pillions to be able to confidently walk into a store knowing how to spot a certified helmet from a substandard one,” she said. “And more importantly, to understand that a certified helmet increases their chances of surviving a crash or escaping without severe head injuries.”

To support sustained implementation, the NHWC and its partners plan to roll out a structured training programme, delivering additional sessions to reach more stakeholders across the import, distribution, retail, and enforcement spectrum.