Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson, president of the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), has stressed the value of forging relationships and partnerships, which he said are crucial for being successful in a competitive environment.

“If we are to move Jamaica forward to where we want it to be, we have to have these relationships between others and ourselves and take from these [partnerships] best practices,” he pointed out.

Hendrickson made the suggestions while addressing the official launch of the Advocate Innovate and Mobilise (AIM) programme between the CVSS and the European Union at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, recently.

He commended the partnership with the EU and the CVSS, which, he said, will have far reaching impact on civil society organisations. The 30-month programme of activities will build the capacity of civil society organisations.

Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, first counsellor/ head of cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands, said that civil society organisations have a role to play in meaningful and structured participation in domestic policies.

“We believe that the ability to achieve this role first depends on the environment in which they
operate. This includes one where there is a conducive, legal and policy environment and institutional and capacity building of civil society organisations,” he said.

Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, in commending both organisations on the initiative, said that CVSS is to be lauded for galvanising the collaboration between the public and civil society partners and the EU for its longstanding commitment to Jamaica.

He emphasised that it is important that key messages are crafted so that the next generation can be inspired to take ownership of what Jamaica is going to be. He said the younger generation especially needs to be empowered and encouraged to take up volunteerism.

“Let us ensure that we are carrying forward the torch of commitment and advocacy,” he said.

Nancy Pinchas, executive director of the CVSS, said that through AIM, CVSS will implement a series of complementary and integrated activities that involve a CSO needs assessment survey, a series of training modules (including communication strategies, institutional strengthening, MEL and advocacy), micro-grants for CSOs and quarterly forums for sharing and collaboration.

These will serve to strengthen internal capacities and efficiencies to ultimately improve and
enhance CSO initiatives and programmes, she said.

Jeanette Calder, executive director/founder of the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) and who
was present at the launch, said she looked forward to the activities that will be rolled out through
AIM.

“For all who are here, I am going to ask you to stick to the commitment, show up at South Camp
Road (CVSS’s office), turn on that virtual Zoom because it is going to pay dividends not just for
your organisation and yourself but for the Jamaica land we love,” she stated.