The Jamaican Government is getting well-needed funding assistance from its American counterparts on a major social investment initiative, aimed at curtailing crime and violence in vulnerable schools and communities across the island.

America has provided some US$7 million in funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its ‘Violence Prevention in Targeted Vulnerable Communities and Schools Programme’, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of National Security.

The initiative will place emphasis on enhancing the relationship between at-risk youth and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), particularly the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang and Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Jamaica, John McIntyre, signed an agreement on Friday (February 25), formalising the arrangement.

The agreement was also signed by USAID Representative in Jamaica, Jason Fraser, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams, during a ceremony at Jamaica House.

Other Government ministries involved

Consequent to the cross-cutting nature of citizen security, the ministries of education and justice are being included as participants in the programme, which will provide support for school-based activities as well as the child diversion and restorative justice programmes.

The programme will see interventions for the targeted beneficiaries being rolled out including opportunities for music, sports and technology programme implementation in schools and communities.

There will also be enhanced case management and social services for at-risk youth, deepening of the child diversion and restorative justice programmes, and expansion of the safe schools’ programme.

The programme seeks to position Jamaica to achieve developed country status, en route to being the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. In his presentation, Chang welcomed the “signature agreement” which, he noted, is the first such between the Governments of Jamaica and the US.

He said it is intended to take a “completely different path” in addressing the chronic causes of crime and violence in Jamaica noting that this approach is not intended to criticize previous engagements, “because they were well-intentioned and applied with a significant level of energy”.

For his part, McIntyre remarked that the signing is significant for both governments, “as it demonstrates our continued partnership and commitment to strengthening the resiliency of vulnerable communities and, thereby, enhancing citizen security”.

He assured that the US Government remains steadfast in its support for Jamaica to create stronger, safer, and more secure communities “as we work together in collaboration to reach the goals outlined in the long-term National Development Plan – Vision 2030 Jamaica”.

According to him, “the US Government looks forward to the successful implementation of this activity and how it will positively impact the lives of the citizens of Jamaica by enhancing the safety and security of its people.”