COVID-19 Response Annual Report

The report highlights LPD's efforts to support Jamaica's COVID-19 response through various interventions that addressed the immediate and medium-term impact of the global pandemic. Improving Social Welfare and Social Services was a key focus area for LPD, with a focus on supporting vulnerable residents of four "hot spot" communities in four parishes. LPD, in partnership with private sector partners and community-based organizations, provided food and sanitation vouchers valued between JMD 12,000 and JMD 14,500 to over 1,000 beneficiaries. The distribution occurred in three phases, with a total of 829 beneficiaries selected based on their residence in communities prone to crime and violence, and 225 beneficiaries identified as survivors of gender-based violence. The report highlights the impact of the food and sanitation support on the lives of beneficiaries, with many expressing gratitude and relief at receiving the assistance. One beneficiary, a woman who had lost her job due to the pandemic, was able to regain employment and provide for her family after receiving support from LPD. Facilitating School Reintegration and Online Learning for Vulnerable Youth was another key area of focus for LPD. In response to the dire need for electronic devices and WIFI to participate in online classes, LPD worked with schools in the selected communities to provide 320 students with 120 backpacks with school supplies and 200 back-to-school vouchers valued at JMD 28,912 each. The vouchers allowed parents to purchase tablets, books, or other school supplies, complementing the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information to support the country's most vulnerable children. Psychosocial Support to Survivors of Gender-Based Violence was also a key area of focus for LPD, with 27 persons receiving psychosocial support through LPD's partnership with the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC). However, implementation challenges were faced due to government-imposed restrictions and the close monitoring of women's movement outside of the home. Stimulating Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable and At-Risk Individuals was another key area of focus for LPD, with a focus on leveraging the support of businesses to provide welfare and livelihood support to vulnerable individuals impacted by COVID-19. Two companies contributed food, sanitation, and book vouchers valued at JMD 325,935, and an additional seven companies conducted an apprenticeship program that provided 35 youth with new skills and two months of invaluable work experience. The report highlights the benefits of the apprenticeship program, including the opportunity for participants to work in settings beyond their hopes and expectations, and the creative utilization of funds from the weekly travel stipend to support their households. Companies also expressed interest in offering long-term employment to some apprentices based on work ethic, value-added to the company, and a shared responsibility to support families.