KINGSTON, JAMAICA — In a landmark corporate social responsibility initiative, Jamaican electronic payments provider JETS Limited has pledged J$100 million (approximately US$640,000) to hurricane recovery efforts through the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ). The substantial donation represents the largest single contribution in UWJ’s history and will be administered in two equal installments of J$50 million each.
The initial allocation has been designated to eight beneficiary organizations responding to Hurricane Melissa’s impact. Educational institutions feature prominently in the first tranche, with Belmont Academy receiving J$10 million, followed by St Elizabeth Technical High School (J$7.5 million), and five additional schools—William Knibb Memorial High, Hampton School, Black River High, Manning’s School—each receiving J$5 million. Mustard Seed Communities and UWJ’s agricultural relief program will also receive J$5 million respectively.
UWJ Board Chair Dr. Devon Smith praised JETS Limited’s unprecedented commitment during the late December handover ceremony. “This monumental contribution significantly advances our national restoration efforts, addressing both physical infrastructure and educational system resilience,” Smith stated.
JETS CEO Edmundo Jenez emphasized his organization’s sustained partnership with UWJ, which began in 2019. “United Way has proven to be a stalwart ally in extending our CSR program’s reach, particularly in education and healthcare sectors,” Jenez remarked, expressing confidence in UWJ’s stewardship of the funds.
The second J$50 million allocation will be distributed to additional recipients identified through ongoing needs assessments. UWJ has implemented comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure transparent utilization of resources across all beneficiary organizations.