WHEN Lessaun Blake graduated from Bellefield High in Manchester in 2020, he initially shied away from joining the police force.

Years later, Blake finally joined the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as a constable, graduating at the top of his class as valedictorian in August 2024, as well as being recognised as class captain for his batch 154, and having the best leadership qualities.

Today Blake, 23, is one of 18 young Jamaicans named among Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Changemakers, and is set to receive an award this month in Washington, DC, at the organisation’s 10th annual awards function.

The 30 Under 30 Caribbean-American Emerging Leaders/Change Makers Award is presented to individuals demonstrating leadership in the academic, entrepreneur, activist or community leader sectors, and who are able to demonstrate a body of philanthropic work.

Reflecting on his enlistment in the JCF, Blake said his determination inspired him to be a leader and to guide others wherever he goes.

“For me it was more of a purpose. I always told myself that I wanted to be a doctor. I never once considered becoming a police officer even though I had respect for the profession, but I realised that since I graduated from high school God kept on leading me to the career of policing and I avoided it for three years and then in 2023 I finally decided to join the JCF,” he said.

“From there things just started to work [in my favour]. I went into training and graduated at the top of my batch and went to a department that was ideal for me. For me the police force was a purpose, or a calling, something greater than what I had in mind.”

In May 2025 Blake received the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence in the category of Nation-Building.

“It was a reminder that the work that I was doing was impacting lives not just on a small scale, but nationally. I felt like I was making a change in the country; it became a platform for me to inspire more young people beyond Manchester where I have been an active member in non-governmental organisations. Coming from humble beginnings I never thought I could achieve this, but with good guidance and family support as well as determination all of that changed,” he said.

Blake has since been assigned to the JCF’s communications arm as coordinator in Area Three, which comprises Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth.

“Through the Constabulary Communications Network what I have learnt is to really understand how people think and what people gravitate to and how to really guide them. I try to inspire young people. I try to guide them towards a common goal to achieve something excellent in life and inspire them to pursue something different or something good,” he said.

“What I have learnt from communication is basically how to understand how young people think and how to get their attention,” added Blake.

— Kasey Williams