At a Miami charity banquet, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) donated over $100 million (approximately US$650,000) to support social projects and organizations in Jamaica. To support Jamaican groups in need, AFJ organizes two significant US fundraisers annually, according to Executive Director Caron Chung.
Chung stated, “One is held in Miami in April or May, and the other in New York, usually in October. Proceeds from both those galas are combined to fund our discretionary grants program. In November, we put out an announcement inviting applicants to submit their applications for grants through AFJ.”
- Advertisement -
“We hold the gala and we recognize esteemed honorees who have contributed to nation-building. Saturday night we honored Lee Issa, the chairman of Couples Resort, and Paul Issa, the chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation,” Chung further noted.
She revealed, “This past year we got 79 grant applications. The [application] cycle starts in November and the deadline is February each year. So, between February and April when we come to Jamaica to present the grants there is an AFJ grants committee that goes through all the applications.”
She emphasized that candidates are chosen after fulfilling the requirements listed on the company’s website.
“We have a very stringent process. We announce it on social media, on the radio, and on the television. On our website afj.org the application is found there and the list of criteria. Entities have to be registered charities in Jamaica and have to have a board of directors with someone accountable for finance” remarked the AFJ executive director.
Chung emphasized that AFJ influences social development, healthcare, and early childhood education initiatives through its funding program.
“We all come together and we contribute to the nation-building of this country. We all have to come together to help move this country forward. The onus is not only on Government and private sector. The Government, private sector philanthropists, we all have a role to play in this and the AFJ has been contributing significantly over the years to programmes in Jamaica,” Chung explained.
The event featured Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the main speaker. Senators Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, as well as government ministers, joined him to the occasion.
Among the distinguished guests at the dinner was Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami Dade.
In 1982, a group of Jamaicans and Americans created the AFJ. Since then, the non-profit organization has raised almost $20 million to fund philanthropic causes in Jamaica.
To assist various activities on the island, American Friends recently gave grants totaling US$740,000 to 54 applicants.
Among other things, they covered gender-based violence, education, music, sports, homelessness, health, skills training, the arts, coding, veterinary care, environmental preservation, school nutrition, and peacebuilding initiatives.
At the AFJ’s awards ceremony, which took place at the US Embassy in Kingston, grant certificates were given to the recipients.
Speaking during the occasion, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, praised the AFJ for its service-oriented spirit and heritage of philanthropy.
Dr. Morris Dixon noted, “For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities or modernizing public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us.”
Dr. Morris Dixon emphasized that although the government is dedicated to speeding up change, it cannot do it alone.
She stated, “We need partners like the AFJ who understand that sustainable development and transformation in education are built on trust, collaboration and long-term investment.”
