PSOJ launches new COVID-19 Response Fund

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is spearheading a private, public and social sector partnership geared towards mobilising and distributing resources towards the protection and welfare of the citizens of Jamaica.

The fund, dubbed the PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund – organised in partnership with PSOJ member and umbrella organisation for the voluntary sector, the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), along with the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, the American Friends of Jamaica and other partners – will facilitate donations towards meeting the needs of citizens and mitigating the threats associated with the pandemic.

The move comes on the heels of PSOJ member companies of the PSOJ recently contributing $150 million to purchase ventilators for the public health sector.

“The nation cannot avoid the negative impact of this pandemic on our economy and our people; however, we can all play our part to minimise the impact and save as many lives as possible,” said PSOJ President Keith Duncan. “This fund will provide a vehicle for us to collectively contribute to food security and health services during these unprecedented times.”

He said the fund is targeting an initial amount of $250 million, and called on Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora to support the initiative.

Diaspora members can make their contributions via the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), who are providing their donation platform through which funds can be contributed via credit card and wire transfer. US-based cheques may also be sent to the AFJ, with the purpose of the donation noted.

Locally, persons or companies can make wire transfers through the CVSS account at National Commercial Bank – chequeing account number 061052429 – or the CVSS USD account at JMMB – 006000181484.