Programme to transform Vulnerable Communities being developed

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is spearheading the development of a programme to support the transformation of vulnerable communities.
Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, speaking in the House of Representatives this week, informed that the PIOJ has prepared a broad framework, which “is being further developed and refined as a matter of urgency.”
“It is a cross-cutting, multi-agency approach. We hope to engage the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as partners in this endeavour,” he stated.
The Prime Minister said that the objective of the programme is to provide “a new pathway of hope and opportunity” for the people residing in communities controlled by criminal elements.
He argued that rooting out the criminal networks and changing the culture of garrison politics cannot be achieved purely by law enforcement efforts, and a programme of transformation must fill the space now occupied by dons and crime practitioners.
Mr. Golding told the House that he had met with representatives of multilateral and bilateral agencies to enlist their support in the effort.
He said he was “extremely encouraged by their response and the appropriate submissions are being prepared for their consideration.”