SDC St. Elizabeth Grants $316,000 To Support Community Economic Initiatives

The Social Development Commission (SDC) in St. Elizabeth awarded $316,000 in grants last month to support economic development initiatives at the community level.

Of the sum, $120,000 was provided under the Community Incentives and Grants Programme to four eligible community development committees (CDCs).

“These CDCs are in Red Bank, Southfield, Ballard’s Valley and Pepper, with each receiving $30,000,” said SDC Parish Manager, Alric Miller, at the monthly meeting of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River on Thursday (June 10).

He noted that the remaining $196,000 was awarded to local economic initiative (LEI), Tyrell’s Craft and Gifts in Santa Cruz, to support business expansion.

Mr. Miller  said that the grant awards are in keeping with the SDC’s strategic focus on advancing community economic development.

He informed that on June 17, the SDC will stage the Black River community market and business fair, which will enable LEIs, including farmers, to market their goods and services.

“We extend invitation to all to participate in this very important initiative,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr. Miller said the SDC continues to advance community development through sporting events such as the annual 20-20 cricket competition.

The 2021 edition of the event got under way on May 22, with 13 teams in the parish registered to participate.

“As a condition of the competition, 15 per cent of the prize money must be used to implement a community project of choice from the winning team. This year, at the parish level, the winner will receive $120,000, second place will receive $60,000 and third place will receive $30,000,” Mr. Miller outlined.

He said that the winner for the national competition will receive $1.5 million, second place will receive $750,000 and third place will receive $375,000.