CSJP Sponsors SDC Cricket Competition

The Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) has endorsed the seventh staging of the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) National Communities 20-20 Cricket Competition, with its sponsorship of $2.75 million in cash and kind.

Addressing the recent launch, held at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, in Kingston, CSJP’s Communication and Social Marketing Co-ordinator, Patrice Tomlinson, said “the partnership is seen as an effective way of engaging our nation’s youth, using sports as the conduit.”

“The use of sports to build cohesion is not new to CSJP, as we have seen the merits of same through our Goals 4 Life football programme,” Ms. Tomlinson said.

She also noted that the SDC has been instrumental in the 50 CSJP-targeted communities, in areas relating to community mobilization, capacity building, research and community development planning.

“This CSJP/SDC partnership is the embodiment of effective joined-up Government,” Ms Tomlinson said.

She added that both organisations have worked fervently to build safer communities by developing and implementing strategic interventions to address risk factors for crime and violence.

The Co-ordinator also disclosed that in addition to the 20-20 agreement, there are two current MOUs between the organizations, with one geared towards capacity building initiatives for 20 community groups, and the other for the development of over 20 community profiles and community development plans.

She said the organisation is pleased to have reached another hallmark in the symbiotic relationship that exists between the CSJP and the SDC.

The CSJPis a social intervention programme under the Ministry of National Security, which serves 50 communities across eight parishes in Jamaica.

Contact: Toni-Ann Rankine, JIS Public Relations Officer