United Nations Development Programme Jamaica

"Poverty is An Emergency: Stand Up, Speak Out, Take Action!" That was the theme of the poverty eradication campaign which marked the United Nations Country Team's observance of World Food Day, October 16, International Day for Poverty Eradication, October 17 and United Nations Day, October 24.

The main goals of the campaign were to raise awareness of and response to poverty as a major developmental issue in Jamaica as well as to call attention to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular MDG 1: Eradication of poverty and hunger; and the status of Jamaica's progress in its achievement.

The main features of the Poverty Eradication Campaign included (1) the declaration of Community Service Week, October 13-17, made by the Deputy Governor General, Reverend Canon, The Honourable Weeville Gordon, OJ, Commander of the Order of Distinction (2) A media blitz that focused on public service messages, feature articles, and interviews aimed at raising awareness of the issues and the campaign; (3) A telethon garnering support for 9 community based projects that play a role in the eradication of poverty; and contribute to Jamaica's progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (4) a Poverty Eradication Rally on October 17 in the main public park in Kingston - Emancipation Park. The rally attracted a large audience of over a thousand people and included displays by several agencies of the Country Team, the 9 beneficiary NGO projects and key state partners. Presentations from the stage and performances by major popular artistes were highlights of the rally.

The campaign is continuing under the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which has a specific mandate to coordinate efforts towards the eradication of poverty in Jamaica. UNDP recently hosted a corporate luncheon to continue to mobilize support for the 9 projects, to launch and seek support for a Millennium Development Goals Fund and to sensitize corporate stakeholders about the United Nations Global Compact - a world wide United Nations initiative bringing the private sector, international organizations and leading entrepreneurs together to advance Corporate Social Responsibility.

Launch Video | Zinc Fence Removal Video | Rally Video| Photos