United Way to channel $100m in aid to schools, farmers

The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) is to disburse $100 million in donations from J.E.T.S. Limited, operator of the MultiLink debit network, to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The contribution forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme and will be administered by the non-governmental organisation this year.

Dr Devon Smith, chair of the UWJ’s board of directors, praised the scale and intent of the support. “This is the singular largest donation to the United Way and is a great contribution for the restoration of our country. This donation impacts, not only in terms of the infrastructure, but shows how J.E.T.S. is ensuring the stability and resilience of the education system,” he said at the handover in late December.

“The six high schools, the Mustard Seed communities and the singular donation to the UWJ’s Farmers Rehabilitation contribution totalling $100 million, is a testimony of how large companies such as J.E.T.S Ltd, through their corporate social responsibility efforts, ensure the lives and livelihoods of our countrymen.”

The funds will be issued in two tranches of $50 million. The first tranche will support eight entities: Belmont Academy, receiving $10 million; St Elizabeth Technical High School, $7.5 million; William Knibb Memorial High School, $5 million; Hampton School, $5 million; Black River High School, $5 million; Manning’s School, $5 million; Mustard Seed Communities, $5 million; and the UWJ’s Agricultural Relief Effort, $5 million. Recipients for the second tranche will be announced at a later date.

J.E.T.S. Limited, a UWJ partner since 2019, said the donation aligns with its long-standing priorities. “We have appreciated working with United Way of Jamaica as the organisation is a stalwart ally and has made it possible for us to reach out to the wider society through our CSR programme, especially with our focus on Education and Healthcare,” said J.E.T.S. CEO Edmundo Jenez. “This is the single largest contribution we have made, and we know it’s in safe hands.”

Smith affirmed that the UWJ has systems in place to monitor, evaluate and report on the work undertaken by beneficiaries, ensuring accountability for the funds.