There are many rock formations in the vicinity of the Bog Walk Gorge that appeal to both locals and visitors. However, on the morning of Saturday, April 19, 2008, the attention of passers-by and more significantly, the attention of a retired officer and his family en route to the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist church in Kingston, was firmly focused on the eminent tragedy in the gorge.
Travelling with this family were two passengers: Jermaine Selvin and Kareem Lawson. However, shortly before these Christians arrived at the scene, a car with two passengers aboard had plunged beneath the rushing, murky waters of the infamous Rio Cobre. Then they saw the crowds. Immediately, the two teenage boys alighted from the vehicle firmly clutching their faith in God and dove into the dark waters. Would you jump in to save the life of a stranger? While curious onlookers vacillated over the thought of putting their own lives in danger with the faint hope of saving another’s life, these two youngsters threw themselves into action.
Kareem, a freshman, currently majoring in Engineering at Northern Caribbean University (NCU), as well as his friend Jermaine Selvin, were awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry on National Hero’s Day for their act of heroism.
Rescuers taking the victim across the Rio Cobre River
This young Seventh- day Adventist, along with his friend Jermaine, didn’t care much what would happen to them; instead, their immediate concern was to help. According to the Bible, the Sabbath was made by God to remind man of his creation and God’s grace for his people. So on that fateful Saturday morning Kareem and Jermaine responded to the need for help from the river’s chilling waters.
(L-R) Kareem Lawson, Cpl. Hershell Harvey EMT based at the Linstead Fire Station and Jermaine Selvin posing for the cameras at the Spanish Town Hospital
Both young men jumped in and with what Kareem considered divine intervention, he felt the hem of one of the victim’s garment. He then pulled her to the surface onto a rock to start, what he only knew from watching television – CPR. Having taken in water and in an unconscious state the female victim and a gentleman from the ill fated vehicle were resuscitated by these two brave youngsters.
Kareem browsing the internet in the lobby at Cedar Hall, NCU Main Campus
Kareem, an easy going, sociable, and jovial gentleman had his life changed that very instant when he plunged into an unknown world- the waters of the Rio Cobre River. Reflecting on the award, Kareem said, "getting this honour means that God’s people are placed at specified locations to help and share the gospel of salvation. This Badge of Honour for Gallantry recipient believes that living a Seventh-day Adventist Christian life equips one to give without the intention of receiving.
Kareem posing for the cameras with his medal at the old Crest on NCU main campus
“In sharing his "NCU Experience", he said, “my life is normal, I have a family here at Cedar Hall (male dormitory at NCU), where we have a level of camaraderie that is just remarkable. He added, "life here at NCU has taught me, humility, fun without danger and has reminded me that Christ is the centre of man’s existence.”
This technology savvy youth, was quick to share his mentors. “Firstly, God is the centre of my life, I love my family; I look to my father and sister for support. Kareem, a track and field enthusiast, admires Asafa Powell, who he considers to be very much like himself in mannerism and attitude.
The rescuers posing with medical doctor Dr. Manchani, at the Spanish Town Hospital. Both rescurers were awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry
Enrolling at NCU has changed my life for the better as the dynamism of quality Christian education has given me a renewed purpose in life...on Sabbath April 19, 2008, it didn’t matter what happened to me, I had no fear – I just had to help. - Kareem Lawson, recipient of the Badge of Honour for Gallantry