Page 84 - JSIF Magazine Approved-v2-web4

A classroom block at the Craighton All Age School, in Gordon Town, St. Andrew which has rehabilitated and expanded by JSIF under the Caribbean Development
Bank.

Technical Support to Public and Private Sector Organisations

JSIF has developed a sterling reputation for transparent procedures and processes and professional and technical competence.
As a result, JSIF has been approached by various entities to assist with or oversee the implementation of projects outside the
organisation’s regular activities. The first time this occurred was in 2006, when CARICOM undertook a study of the viability of
a Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) which would allow Caribbean countries to pool natural disaster risks.
JSIF was asked to oversee the procurement process for the consultancies to carry out the studies, and the CCRIF was launched
in 2007. Since that time, the Fund has assisted the Ministry of Labour and Social Security by providing technical oversight in the
construction of an Early Stimulation centre for special needs children and worked with the Jamaica Public Service Company in
undertaking community social sensitization that encouraged persons to regularize their electricity connections.

Conclusion
Twenty (20) years ago, when JSIF began operations as a four (4) year project, its mandate was very specific to provide the poorest
and most vulnerable in the country with improved access to basic infrastructure and services that everyone in Jamaica has the
right to expect. The infrastructure and related services included among others, roads in good condition, schools that meet the
Ministry of Education standards, proper sanitation solutions in accordance with Government guidelines etc. Owing to JSIF’s
efficient and transparent approach, the Fund has continued to assist Jamaica’s underserved and vulnerable for an additional
sixteen years. Over time the Fund has modified its approaches to implement its projects in more efficient and effective ways
and as it grew and embraced modern methodologies it became more than just a project and has taken a pivotal place in the
Jamaican social development landscape. The Project which was started to assist in poverty eradication has metamorphosed
into an organisation that helps the underserved but also strengthens communities in ways that will allow them to find ways to lift
themselves out of their current situation.

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