American Friends of Jamaica give to Charities

Grants totalling US$566,765.45 (J$37 million) have been donated to 16 charities in Jamaica by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).
The presentations were made on Friday, April 28, at a luncheon held at the Kingston residence of United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Brenda LaGrange Johnson.
In her remarks, Ambassador Johnson commended the work of the AFJ in promoting philanthropy and development in Jamaica.
“The work of the AFJ is extremely important for encouraging private sector philanthropy in Jamaica. The AFJ has clearly shown the enormous potential of public/private partnerships to assist in development,” said Ambassador Johnson.
This year the AFJ is celebrating 25 years of supporting Jamaican charities, and President, Ambassador Glen Holden, noted that the contributions have made a difference in the sustainability of many organizations and their success in serving the Jamaican people.
The grants have been given to several organizations, with particular emphasis on the enhancement of education, healthcare and economic development. Projects range from patient assistance, the provision of medical equipment, support for literacy programmes, and skills training to assist victims of domestic violence.
Among those receiving grants were the University of the West Indies, St. Monica’s Home, St. Patrick’s Foundation, Hanover Charities, Seaward Primary and Junior High School, Foundation for International Self-Help (FISH), Montego Bay Hope Medical Centre, Mona Rehabilitation Foundation, Jamaica Society for the Blind, and Montego Bay Marine Park.
Since its inception in 1981, the AFJ has raised over US$10 million for Jamaican charities.