Help on the way for genius Clarendon carmaker

A few weeks ago, before Oshane Dunstan was featured in THE STAR, he admitted to feeling discouraged and wondered if he would ever get the chance to live his dream of designing and building cars.

The Simon, Rock River youth who has been making miniature cars in his community, has his sights set on designing and making his own line of automobile.

Since his story was shared in this newspaper last week, Dunstan admits to now having renewed hope.

"I had given up before Illon (Illon Dawkins, his mentor) put me on to to you guys. I am feeling much better now. I have been getting a lot of calls, with some wanting to help me go back to school, and others wanting to purchase cars from me," he said, stating that he is not certain he is ready to sell any of his models.

Dawkins said that a world of possibilities has opened up for the 23-year-old Dunstan.

"There are calls from institutions, both local and overseas, stating their interest in his development. We were contacted by a recognised development engineer, social entrepreneur and futurist, who shows interest in his development. A meeting is scheduled with an educator who will also give us further advice towards his development process," Dawkins shared.

Dunstan has been turning heads with his creations. Dawkins said that residents of Simon, having read about Dunstan's exploits, were excited to know the level of work and ingenuity that was taking place right under their noses.

"I hope this will help others to recognise their potential," said Dawkins.

Eucal Henry, president of the Rock River Development Area Committee, said Dunstan's exploits have caused people to take notice of their rural community.

Never in the spotlight

"Before, we were never in the spotlight, but since a feature was done on Andrew Nelson, and now Oshane ... people are recognising that we are worth noticing," he shared.

Nelson is a man who, despite not having legs, rises above his disability daily. Like him, Dunstan has captured the imagination of a lot of people. He has dreams of attending the Jamaican-German Automotive School in St Andrew, where he hopes to pursue his dream of building cars.

Henry said that the youngster is due to meet with Dr Paul Aiken, senior lecturer in the Department of Engineering at The University of the West Indies. In addition, Ruel 'Rula' Brown, a broadcaster and the founder of the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS), said his daughter, Laurel, who is the regional director at a data centre for Google Inc, has committed to assisting him.

"She has committed to help him obtain a job opportunity and a PALAS scholarship, valued at approximately $250,000," Brown said.

Dunstan said that he is anticipating getting the opportunity to learn more about robotics and getting closer to acquiring the skills he needs for car designing and building.