United Nations Development Programme Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica‐6‐May‐10‐ Ambassador His Excellency Marco Mazzocchi‐Alemanni, representatives of the European
Commission (EC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) met with deported migrant women and
toured the facility where they are currently in training.
In a closed session, almost 20 trainees sensitized the Ambassador and other stakeholders about the various challenges
they face in meeting their personal development goals. He encouraged them to remain committed in their
endeavours, "I know it has to be difficult for you, you have made mistakes and are trying to turn a new page and I
applaud that. I wish for you all the best as your success is crucial, as it will send the message to other single mothers
who face harsh economic challenges that there are other options and opportunities for them."
In a debriefing session, trainees reported that the event provided them with opportunities to get a god's eye view of
the Project, as well as publicised their work, enabled them to interact with key players and partners and added their
voices to Project implementation.
More than 40 stakeholders were in attendance, representing 12 independent agencies: European Union delegation,
United Nations Development Programme (Jamaica and Brussels), Singer Jamaica, Rise Life Management Services,
Hope for Children, UWI Chancellor Hall, FURI, UWI Institute of Sustainable Development, Hibiscus Jamaica, HEART
Trust NTA (Garmex Academy and corporate office), Ministry of National Security and Jamaica Business Development
Corporation.
The EC‐UN Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JM&DI) has enabled Hibiscus Jamaica, through a grant of over
99,000 euros, to meet some of the development needs of 25 deported migrant women. JM&DI is important because
‘Jamaica has become, globally, the country with the highest ratio of deported migrants to overall population and
Jamaican women account for over 70 percent of the foreign national female prison population in the United Kingdom1.
Hibiscus Jamaica was founded in 1993. It works with deported women to improve their resettlement and
reintegration opportunities. Major projects executed are: Eva Goes to Foreign multimedia campaign and the current
JM&DI project, Supporting Jamaican Deported Migrants and their Families. Hibiscus Jamaica has offices at 13 West
Avenue, Kingston 4.
For more information on Hibiscus Jamaica visit the website at: http://www.hibiscusjamaica.org/