Scores of Residents in St. James Attend SDC Social Services Fair

Scores of residents turned out to participate in the Social Development Commission (SDC) St. James Local Economic Development (LED) Social Services Fair at Harmony Beach Park, on December 20.

The one-day event, which targeted approximately 2,000 individuals, was held in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It served as a one-stop hub for essential social, economic, and health-related services for residents and entrepreneurs impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Services offered included document restoration, psychosocial counselling, medical screenings, financial guidance, and business support, alongside a vibrant marketplace featuring locally produced goods and services.

One resident from the Albion community, Shevel Vassell, shared her experience after losing key documents during the hurricane, noting that the fair made a “significant difference” in enabling her to begin the replacement process for her Tax Registration Number and birth certificate.

The event also featured the SDC Economic Village, which highlighted the resilience of grassroots entrepreneurs.

This aspect of the fair saw more than 15 Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs), many of which suffered significant losses during the hurricane, showcasing handmade crafts, agricultural produce, baked goods, and professional services.

Owner of Coco Petal, Dian Belair, said that while the hurricane caused extensive damage to her business, participation in the Economic Village has been beneficial.

“The opportunity to make sales and connect with new customers and business partners is helping me to restart and move forward,” she said.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Director of the LED Support Programme at the SDC, Avril Ranger, said the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support sustainable livelihoods through integrated development.

“By coupling social services with the Economic Village, we are creating a pathway from vulnerability to sustainability. This model of convergence is how we build true community resilience,” she noted.

The multi-stakeholder partnership also included entities such as the HEART/NSTA Trust, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ).

Representatives from the St. James Municipal Corporation facilitated the replacement of occupational licences, while private sector partners, including a major car dealership, financial institutions, and insurance companies, provided on-the-spot consultations and guidance.

Acknowledging the support provided by both public and private sector partners, Ms. Ranger said that “by uniting government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, the initiative demonstrated how shared resources and coordinated action can restore hope, dignity, and economic opportunity in the aftermath of a disaster.”

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jason Russell, underscored the importance of both sectors’ involvement in recovery efforts.

“We see the destruction, but we can’t dwell on what has happened. We must focus on recovery. Don’t let it cripple you; recovery starts with us,” he said.