SDC Advancing Sustainable Community Development in St. Mary

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is strengthening community-based organisations (CBOs) in St. Mary through improved access to funding, partnerships and capacity-building support.

These efforts are geared towards advancing sustainable community development across the parish.

The initiative was highlighted during a Community Impact Forum hosted by the Commission’s St. Mary Parish Office on Thursday (October 8) at Immanuel United Church in Tower Isle under the theme, ‘Strengthening Organisations, Mobilising Resources, Empowering CBOs to Transform St. Mary’.

Delivering the keynote address, SDC Executive Director, Omar Frith, said the forum provided an opportunity to renew, not only the Commission’s plans, structures and organisations, but its commitment to community service and development.

He noted that the SDC is undergoing organisational restructuring aimed at strengthening parish offices and enhancing their capacity to respond to the evolving needs of communities.

The Executive Director also outlined the Commission’s three strategic pillars: data, research and evidence; developing projects and plans that reflect community priorities; and promoting participatory governance.

He emphasised that the effective implementation of these pillars could help communities realise better economic outcomes.

Meanwhile, SDC St. Mary Parish Manager, Shawin Reynolds, said the forum provided an opportunity to “recognise the work already being done by community organisations”, identify available support, and explore ways to strengthen their operations.

He encouraged participants to use the opportunity to build partnerships, share resources and collaborate on projects.

Representatives from several institutions participated in the forum, including the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF); the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund; the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA); the Bureau of Gender Affairs; the Sports Development Foundation (SDF); United Way of Jamaica; and the GoldenEye Foundation.

Meanwhile, SDC Director of Participatory Governance, Sherine Walker, outlined plans to revamp the Commission’s Community Recognition Programme and introduce an enhanced capacity-building initiative for community leaders.

She said the initiative will target CBO treasurers, secretaries and presidents, adding that similar forums will be expanded across Jamaica.

Ms. Walker emphasised that citizen participation is essential to development, noting that “development can’t happen without citizens [and] communities participating.”

Participants also welcomed the engagement, with Cascade Development Committee member, Annette Taylor, describing it as “a very informative and well-rounded experience.”

Shirley Duncan of the Bonnygate Women’s Group said the forum helped raise awareness of the range of support available to community organisations.

“I think an event like [this forum] should be replicated in other areas… because so many persons at the community level are not aware… of how they can get funding… [and] support from the SDC,” she remarked.