JSIF Has Spent $18.6 Billion on Social Development Projects

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) has spent some $18.6 billion on social development projects in the country over the past 20 years, resulting in some two million persons being impacted.

Chairman of JSIF, Dr. Wayne Henry, said the fund carried out 594 education projects, which include school construction and provision of equipment; constructed 60 community spaces; and built, rehabilitated and equipped 50 health centres.

He was addressing the launch of JSIF’s 20th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting at Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on October 25.

He informed that the entity has also implemented 181 road and drainage projects; 79 water and sanitation projects; 60 agriculture projects; 64 energy and environment projects; 14 community-based tourism projects; and 536 human capacity development projects.

The ceremony, held under the theme ‘20 years of investing for community growth and development’, entailed project displays and presentations on the work of JSIF in the areas of Tourism and

Agriculture, Environment and Energy, and Youth Workforce Development and Capacity Building. The day’s activities also included a lunch hour concert.

The ceremony was attended by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Derrick Smith, representing Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; as well as Senator

Sophia Frazer-Binns, representing Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller.

Also in attendance were former Government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of JSIF donor partners, members of the board of directors, JSIF staff and community representatives, and a range of other stakeholders.