MOUNT SALEM, St James:

The Holy Family Self-Help Centre in Mount Salem, St James, received a major boost on Wednesday, with the cash injection of $3 million from Seawind Key Investment Limited (SKIL).

Chairman of SKIL, the group responsible for the creation of the 700-room Secrets Resorts and Spa in the Montego Bay Freeport, Salvador Luque Garcia, said the gesture was an indication that the Spanish investors were not just interested in reaping big from tourism in Jamaica.

According to Garcia, SKIL was committed to the development of the people.

The project, which is additionally funded by the Isabel Garcia Bardon-led Fuerte Foundation and other Spanish affiliates, will result in the expansion of the upper floor of the centre that is used for training in housekeeping and waiter/waitress courses for prospective tourism workers.

Mayor of Montego Bay Charles Sinclair, in expressing gratitude to the investors, indicated his hope that other corporate bodies and foreign investors would mirror the actions of SKIL, by helping to build on the human capacity of Jamaica.

special services

The centre, built by Roman Catholics in 1972, is geared towards providing special services, such as day care, parenting skills, computer classes and training for the tourism industry, at a reduced cost to single mothers and other members of the community.

Since 1997, some 1,500 men and women have graduated with certificates in housekeeping and many persons have received employment through the centre's assistance. The certificates are accepted by the HEART Trust and some international organisations.

- Tashieka Mair