In response to the growing number of educators battling severe illnesses and facing financial hardships, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is intensifying its efforts to establish a robust Critical Illness Trust Fund. Newly appointed JTA President Mark Malabver emphasized the union’s commitment to this cause during a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer. Malabver highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the fund aims to provide financial support to teachers diagnosed with critical illnesses such as cancer or those requiring expensive surgeries. The JTA is hosting a wine and cheese fundraiser at Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew, with the goal of raising $3 million this year. Malabver revealed that the union has already set aside a portion of its internal funds for this purpose, with the long-term ambition of accumulating $1 billion. The fund, officially launched in 2019 by former JTA President Dr. Garth Anderson, is managed by a dedicated board that evaluates applications and allocates resources based on need and availability. Malabver acknowledged the alarming number of educators falling ill, citing at least four requests for assistance since he assumed office in August. He shared a poignant example of a veteran high school teacher facing blindness and requiring costly surgery. While the initiative is not a core JTA activity, Malabver stressed the union’s moral obligation to support its members. The fundraiser, patronized by Metry Seaga, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, requires a $15,000 contribution per attendee.