Cresswell

OCHO RIOS, ST. ANN

Twenty-five selected non-governmental organisations in Jamaica are to benefit from institutional strengthening and training support through the efforts of the British High Commission in collaboration with the Council for Voluntary Social Services (CVSS).

The high commission has donated $8.6 million to underwrite the training initiative over a 15-month period.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica Jeremy Cresswell made the announcement while speaking at the official launch of the project at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Friday.

Administrative support

The CVSS is providing the facilities for the training in addition to administrative support.

Cresswell said his government was pleased to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil groups in Jamaica. "NGOs do wonderful work and it is very important that they can maximise what they got to the good of society in general," he said.

Cresswell said the funds donated to the project would cover various workshops and retreats.

The 25 selected NGOs that will benefit from the project represent children, youth, the environment, agriculture, health, the elderly, justice, the disabled, sports and recreation. Of the 25 selected NGOs, 16 work from the rural areas.

Among the selected organisations is human rights lobby group Jamaicans For Justice. Cresswell stated that his Government had interest in the Jamaican justice system.

Human rights

"I think that while on the one hand, the British Government over many years, has been providing support to the security and the fight against crime in Jamaica, it is very important that we don't forget that part of the same coin is the importance of respecting human rights," he stated.

Chairman of Jamaicans For Justice, Devon Yetman, who was among the participants at the launch, said he was pleased that the organisation was among those selected to benefit from institutional strengthening and training.

Leadership capabilities

"Notwithstanding the strides we have been able to make over time, we welcome the opportunity to deepen the leadership capabilities within the organisation," he said.

Chairman of CVSS Carlton Levy expressed gratitude to the British government for the financial support and urged the NGOs to make the best use of the opportunities the project would offer.