Auditing firm PwC Jamaica has committed J$52 million to assist with funding the work of Project STAR, a social and economic transformation initiative created by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Bruce Scott, territory leader of PwC Jamaica, said that the donation represents a commitment by
his firm to improve communities and invest in the future of Jamaica.

“Project STAR aligns perfectly with our purpose of building trust in society and solving important
problems, and PwC Jamaica is honoured to support the PSOJ and the JCF in this impactful
endeavour,” he said. 

“We are committed to fostering lasting impact in our communities through the contribution of our
time, expertise and resources. We see this as an opportunity to invest in our nation’s future and
we’re only too happy to contribute to this worthwhile initiative,” he added.

Scott disclosed that the scope of the commitment from PwC Jamaica includes the value of audit services
beginning in 2023, community outreach, PwC internships and a financial donation of J$5 million
annually.

Saffrey Brown, project director of Project STAR, welcomed the contribution and underscored the
importance of financial support to the charity. “We are happy for this contribution
from PwC. Your support is invaluable and plays a crucial role in making our programme a
resounding success,” said Brown.

“Your contribution will directly impact our ability to carry out a range of activities and initiatives in the communities that we are targeting.”
 
Project STAR is a five-year social and economic transformation project that targets under-resourced, underserved communities experiencing high levels of crime or violence. Through a comprehensive consultation process, communities assist in determining their own needs, which are further supported by extensive data and analysis.

Brown said that in just over a year, Project STAR has accomplished a lot. In east downtown Kingston, several programmes have been rolled out including: the school feeding programme at four basic schools; sporting programmes such as weekly street side football and basketball; community reasoning sessions; referrals to social protection programmes such as PATH and social pensions for the elderly; and psycho-social programmes such as youth camps.

Community Transformation Boards have been established to provide locally driven design and oversight of the community transformation plan. Many residents have also been trained and placed in jobs through the Project STAR Employment Programme.

Meanwhile, in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland, residents have also benefited from
community reasoning sessions; training for job placements and the establishment of a community infrastructure working group to address dilapidated infrastructure and drainage in the town.

Among the donors that have committed support to Project STAR are: Jamaica Money Market Brokers, Scotiabank, Musson Foundation, CB Facey Foundation (PanJam), National Commercial Bank, Sandals Foundation, Sagicor Foundation, Sagicor Financial Company, Digicel Foundation, GraceKennedy, Supreme Ventures, Barnett, Spanish-Jamaican Foundation, Restaurants Associates (RAL), Rainforest Caribbean, Barita, Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation, American Friends of Jamaica, Carreras Limited, Mayberry Foundation and Restaurant of Jamaica.