Call to establish Jamaican department of voluntarism

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Hurricane Melissa has once again revealed both Jamaica’s vulnerability and our strength. In every corner of the island and across the diaspora, Jamaicans are asking how they can help – not just by giving money or goods, but by giving their time, skills, and effort. Yet, there is no clear system to guide this goodwill.

There are channels to donate supplies but no structure for coordinating human effort. Many skilled people – carpenters, plumbers, builders, chefs, social workers, healthcare workers, grief counsellors, and volunteers for data collection or clean-up – are ready to serve, but, without direction, their desire to help often goes underused.

I therefore humbly propose that the Government consider the establishment of a Department of Voluntarism within the Office of the Prime Minister. This department would allow citizens and diaspora members to register their skills and availability online or by phone, and then be scheduled and assigned to the areas of greatest need, according to their competence.

It is often said that the people are one of the greatest sources of power in any nation – but people power must be organised to be effective. Jamaica’s willingness to serve is one of our richest resources. What we need now is a system to harness it.

DAMION CRAWFORD

MP NW St Catherine