JAMAICA COMMUNITY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIVITY MONTHLY REPORT: FEBRUARY 2021

under Contract No. 72053220C00001, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development. The program's primary objective is to prevent community violence in Jamaica. In February 2021, the program's community entry strategy involved presentations to key collaborating government agencies, courtesy meetings with Members of Parliament, and meetings with community leaders. Staff conducted seven meetings with these stakeholders, including a virtual meeting with Cuso International to explore possible synergies and partnerships. The discussion resulted in Cuso inviting the CVP team members to participate in its 7-year strategic planning session. The program also engaged in USAID meetings, including a plan to conduct the CVP launch on March 24, which was approved by USAID. Preliminary plans were discussed with USAID on numerous occasions, and Country Representative Jason Fraser confirmed his participation. Informal contacts with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang indicated his availability, and a formal request letter was sent to his office on February 5. The program's administrative activities included personnel updates, with USAID approving Derniel O'Connor for the key personnel-MEL Specialist position on February 5. Renee Gauntlett-Richards began her duties as the Communications Specialist on February 16. The COP's work permit exemption remains with the Jamaican government for processing, and Karina Valenzuela completed her site visit on February 12. The program achieved several milestones in February, including the signing of the Making Cents International subcontracting agreement with Democracy International on February 17. The first two activities of the subcontracting agreement will be to support Positive Youth Development training and conduct a Gender Analysis. The program also led two stakeholder stocktaking presentations for Jamaican violence prevention leaders, which received extremely positive feedback from attendees. The program encountered no significant administrative or programmatic issues beyond the typical meeting and planning challenges presented by COVID. The anticipated activities for next month include conducting the Activity launch, commencing procurement for consultants, finalizing the Grants Manual, and commencing coordination with faith-based groups to expand youth programs in targeted communities.