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The HON. Derrick Smith, CD, MP

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister

As Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, As Jamaica focuses on its Vision 2030 goals, JSIF is
under whom the ministerial responsibility for JSIF falls, I am increasingly solidifying its social intervention growth strategies
indeed proud of the achievements and dynamic evolution of and is laying the groundwork for Integrated Community
this unique organisation. JSIF was started as a temporary Development projects. These goals are being achieved by
organisation, intended to be of service to the nation for a mere successfully effecting a raft of projects such as the Rural
four years, but because of its tremendous contribution within Economic Development Initiative (REDI), and the Poverty
the framework for social development, today JSIF stands Reduction Projects (PRP), to name a few. To date, JSIF has
proud, celebrating its twentieth year of service. reached over 1.8 million beneficiaries directly and indirectly, and
has spent over $20 billion on wide and varying projects.
As a government-led organisation, JSIF has had an impressive
record of achievements over the years. Such achievements are In closing, I would like to, on behalf of the people and Government
justification for its relevance and continued existence. of Jamaica, express our sincere gratitude and thanks to all
the stakeholders and partners at the national, regional and
Its origin as a charitable organisation in 1996, was conceived international levels, for making JSIF such a beacon of success.
to address some of the short-term social challenges which
confront our communities across Jamaica. Today, under the I wish the organization every success in its future endeavours.
stewardship of Dr. Wayne Henry, Chairman of the Board and Mr.
Omar Sweeney, Managing Director, with the dedicated support
of its skilled and experienced staff, stakeholders; in conjunction
with our international partners, we are celebrating twenty years
of enviable success.

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