Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has a special place in my heart – and in the hearts of many.Founded in 1999 in the heat of riots in Kingston by protesters angry at increased gas prices, JFJ is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-violent citizens’ rights organisation advocating for improvements in state transparency, accountability and overall good governance. Jamaica is going through a period of considerable economic hardship and social stress, there is no doubt – more than it was even when JFJ was founded 16 years ago. We need JFJ more than ever. In light of negative reports and incorrect rumors of its demise, I was happy to read today’s press release.
Yes, we do need JFJ and a strengthened civil society voice in Jamaica. More than ever. Please support them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015, Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) held its 16th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, April 25, 2015, to report on the previous year to its membership and to elect the new Board of Directors. The meeting successfully completed the scheduled agenda and the new Board with a full complement of 12 directors was duly elected.
The members of the new Board are: Dr Barry Wade, Susan Evans, Christine Dalrymple, Michael Lumsden, Horace Levy, Douglas Reid, Ruth Jankee, Monique Long, Laurene Williams, Karen McDonald Gayle, Kenneth Wilson and Keith Ford. The members of the new Board have several decades of combined experience in the private, public and NGO sectors and a wide range of skills including organizational and non-profit management, involvement in the human rights and legal fields, youth and community development.
The Directors and members affirmed their strong commitment to strengthening the work of the organization in supporting the protection of human rights of all Jamaicans.
Like the wider community of NGOs, JFJ is constantly challenged to sustain its operations and programmes. Having charitable status is important to such sustainability. A priority for the new Board therefore, is to complete the process of updating JFJ’s Objects and Articles, to reflect the requirements of new national regulations and to re-secure Charitable Status. An extra-ordinary meeting of members is being called for this purpose. The new Board will also continue discussions already begun with the authorities with regard to a settlement of outstanding taxes and penalties and hopes that these discussions will be fruitful. JFJ re-affirms its commitment to meeting its statutory obligations as it has always been attentive to these responsibilities.
Although challenged, Jamaica’s NGO sector is resilient. At the same time, we would welcome financial support in strengthening our role and the service that we offer to others. JFJ therefore looks forward to a year of strong and effective stewardship to deal with the challenges, and increasing its public education, advocacy and practical services to the public as we do our part to hasten a Jamaica where the rights of all are ensured and where there is equal opportunity for citizens to realize their full potential.
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Reblogged this on rennydiokno.com.
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Thanks so much for the reblog!
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