KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Derrick Smith, has challenged the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to adopt new approaches to social development to meet the changing needs of the community.

Addressing the launch of JSIF’s 20th anniversary celebrations and Annual General Meeting at Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, today (October 25), Smith, representing Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said although cognizant of the agency’s comprehensive approach to its projects, through the use of technology and integration with other entities, there must be continued innovation.

“Critical new approaches and creative solutions to the delivery of social services must be integrated as part of the national mission to move our people into prosperity and out of poverty,” he said.

The minister added that it is essential that the next 20 years of JSIF’s work in the country be focused on further empowering and building the capacity of communities.

In officially declaring open an exhibition showcasing the Fund’s achievement over the years, Smith also, on behalf of the government, expressed gratitude for JSIF’s work over the years.

“As we look to the future, let’s celebrate the past and the present. Despite the challenges and constraints, you have been a major part of national development and social improvement of communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, JSIF managing director, Omar Sweeney, thanked the local, regional and international donors and development partners, as well as the community representatives and volunteers, for their support of the agency’s projects over the years.

“We look towards the next 20 years and beyond with an optimistic outlook to see the development and growth of the Jamaican people take root and multiply exponentially. This is because we believe in our work, we believe in our people and we believe in our country,” he said.

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund was established in 1996 as a component of the government’s national poverty alleviation strategy, with a design to channel resources to community-based projects.

Though initially established to have a lifespan of four years, it continued operations and currently has agreements that will continue into 2020.