GoodHeart | Roshaun Wynter leads through action and service

At 24, Roshaun Wynter has spent his life advocating for others, guided by a belief that leadership is measured, not by title, but by service. Growing up in the Petersville District, Westmoreland, his story reflects a familiar rural narrative of humble beginnings, Sundays spent at church, and strong community ties formed through everyday interactions with neighbours.

While he is now the guild president of The University of the West Indies, Mona, leadership is not new territory for Wynter. His journey began at Munro College, where he became actively involved in student governance and eventually rose to serve as president of the Students’ Council. In that role, he often sat in disciplinary committee meetings, advocating on behalf of his peers and, as he puts it, “basically acting like their lawyer, trying to get the best possible outcome for them”.

That experience laid the foundation for his next step into national student leadership. He went on to serve as vice-president of the National Secondary Students’ Council, responsible for region five, encompassing St Elizabeth and Manchester.

“That’s where I really found my footing as a leader,” he reflected, adding, “I learned how to represent different voices, to navigate challenges, and to advocate beyond my immediate environment.”

This progression led him to the National Youth Parliament of Jamaica, where he gained first-hand exposure to governance alongside elected representatives and deepened his understanding of national leadership. These experiences also sparked his drive to pursue law.

He realised that, in communities like his, even close relatives often faced conflicts with few resources available, whether over land, family matters, or everyday disputes. “Sometimes it’s just one pastor, one justice of the peace, and everyone depends on them,” he explained.

A summer spent working at a police station further reinforced that reality, exposing him to the kinds of challenges rural communities face when people lack access to support or advocacy.

Wynter’s experiences in student leadership and governance would soon face a real-world test. Hurricane Melissa displaced many students from rural communities, particularly in western Jamaica, including Wynter, who lost his roof in the storm

Despite these personal challenges, Wynter took immediate action. He met regularly with the administration to prevent students from being charged late tuition or exam fees and ensured that online classes were recorded for those unable to attend in real time. At the same time, he mobilised support through local businesses like Chicken & Tings, to provide food, and leveraged Pelican Nest, the university’s student volunteer initiative, to organise relief efforts.

Every week, he leads trips back to the west, delivering essential items including wheelchairs, and connecting residents with donors who supply materials needed for rebuilding, while coordinating with peers and the wider community to ensure aid reaches those who need it most

It was this consistent, selfless approach to service that caught the attention of Malta. Recognising the impact of Wynter’s efforts on the ground, the brand contributed cases of Malta to support his ongoing relief work and presented him with a basket of appreciation as part of its ‘The Good You Give’ campaign.

Even as assistance continues, Wynter remains focused on the bigger picture.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the west certainly wasn’t built in a day either. When an entire parish is shattered, the loss stretches far beyond what an individual has built.” It is why he believes meaningful recovery must be collective, sustained, and supported by leadership that looks beyond the immediate effect.

That same perspective shapes his approach to leadership and education, both of which he sees as long-term investments in people.

What keeps him going is the drive that has guided him since his days growing up in Petersville. “I’ve always had a hunger to achieve greatness,” he reflects, “Not just for myself, but to help create better opportunities for others.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com