The Private Sector of Jamaica has launched a private-public-social sector partnership geared towards mobilizing and distributing resources towards the protection and welfare of the citizens of Jamaica. It is called the PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund. The objective is to facilitate donations and contributions of cash towards catering to the needs of citizens and alleviate the threats associated with COVID-19.
This initiative is organized in partnership with PSOJ member, the Council of Voluntary Services (CVSS), JMMB Joan Duncan foundation, Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, the American Friends of Jamaica and others.
This fund follows the contribution of member companies of the PSOJ raising $150 million to purchase ventilators for the hospitals to assist those infected with the virus.
President of the PSOJ Keith Duncan stated that the target goal for the fund is $250 million, however, it may be revised based on duration and support needed. He said target areas are support health services and food security. He further explained that the aim is to work with the community organizations to get food and basic goods to the communities that are in need of the support. “It is a Jamaican effort and the Government of Jamaica and private sectors need to work together as one to help Jamaica navigate through this very difficult period,” Duncan expressed. In addition, he said the shock of the virus is greater than the period of 2008-2009 – it creates uncertainty of the management and spread of the virus and when it is going to end.
Chairperson, Council of Voluntary Services, Saffrey Brown added that this initiative is exciting and takes a different approach with the partnership of CVSS and PSOJ. She said it provides an opportunity to ensure that resources for release and aid are channeled directly to the public.
“What’s really exciting about this project is that it is multi-sectorial and it is an integrated response to the national COVID-19 crisis. So we brought partners onboard from public private and civil societies, who are able to utilize their individual strength to deliver what they hope, will be an impactful response to COVID-19, which is one of the key value propositions.”
In addition, she said that the aim is to change how disaster reporting is done in terms of tracking donations towards disasters funds by reporting both on the financial funds and also the impact metrics in real time. Brown explained, “We anticipate providing regular updates to the public and stakeholders on how the fund is performing and what impact is created.”
These reports will be found on the PSOJ website at psoj.org, CVSS website at cvssja.org and weekly reports to mailing lists. The PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund is open to the Jamaican Public and the wider disapora to contribute. Locally, contributions are to be made to the CVSS account at National Commercial Bank chequing account number 061-052-429 or CVSS USD account at JMMB – 006000181484. With the partnership of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), a donation platform is provided to contribute via credit card, wire transfer and US based cheques with the purpose noted.
