A team above all
THE JAMAICA Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) has been known to get the job done when it comes to protecting the works of composers, authors and publishers of music, but it is also philanthropic. In addition to hosting several free seminars and workshops, the company prides itself in managing its operations and relationships in a way that enhances employee development and performance and further reflects the image of good corporate citizens. In 2016, more than 400 Haitians died as a result of Hurricane Matthew. Most of these deaths in Haiti were in and around towns and fishing villages on the southern coast, with hundreds killed by flying debris, swollen rivers, and falling trees. JACAP, through Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, donated to the Helping Haiti initiative. In 2017, JACAP, through the Salvation Army, assisted Dominica after Hurricane Maria hit. The Category 5 hurricane left 31 dead and 80 per cent of the population affected by damage to their roofs, destroying power and water supplies and entire crops.
The company’s philanthropical efforts did not end there. Lydia Rose, general manager of JACAP, said, “We have also waived permit fees for charity events held by entities such as the Jamaica Cancer Society, Food for the Poor, Jamaica Red Cross, the Jamaica Autism Support Association, the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, to name a few.
Keneisha Hewitt, operations manager for JACAP, said, “We are pleased to support in times of need, whether locally or regionally, once the needs become apparent. It is our responsibility as corporate entities to set example for the nation, our members, and affiliates through our corporate social responsibility efforts.” Whether it is the officers who protect us or the children who need protecting, JACAP has always reached out a hand to help. A donation was provided to the Hanbury Children’s Home in Manchester in 2018. The home was founded in 1956 with only four children. The facility, now operated by the Salvation Army, houses roughly 74 children from ages zero to 18 years with a staff complement of 22.
In 2018, the team adopted the Arnold Road Methodist Basic School in the community that it visits every Wednesday to give a helping hand in entertaining and educating the students. They have sponsored their Christmas treat, sports day, and graduation ceremony. Hewitt added: “It gives us great joy to witness the excitement of these little ones as we enter their classrooms, and this is the reason we continue to support in whichever way we can.”
With a dedicated staff and an active board of directors, JACAP continues to give back in numerous ways.