WITH local government election looming, watchdog group Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) has received a timely boost of $2 million from four of the island’s leading private sector companies.

The Mayberry Foundation, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), Stewart’s Automotive Group, and Wisynco have joined forces, collectively pledging the $2 million to amplify the endeavours of CAFFE.

Each organisation has contributed $500,000, showcasing a potent collaboration aimed at safeguarding the integrity and impartiality of elections.

Since 1997, CAFFE has mobilised volunteers nationwide to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard. With a vision to engage 400 volunteers for the upcoming elections and a primary focus on sixth form students in high schools, CAFFE aims to foster a culture of active civic participation among the youth.

Grace Baston, chairman of CAFFE and principal of Campion College, underscored the critical importance of involving young citizens in the democratic process.

“One of CAFFE’s objectives is to inspire our youngest citizens to engage in the democratic process by exercising their right to vote. The vitality of our enviable democracy relies on a citizenry that not only recognises the significance of this process but also ensures its integrity through personal action,” said Batson.

She noted that CAFFE places significant emphasis on involving high school students to cultivate democratic participation, as evident in its initiative to establish democracy clubs in schools across Jamaica.

These clubs serve as platforms for fostering discussions on various aspects of Jamaican democracy. Additionally, they aim to encourage students who are 18 years old to register to vote, while also preparing those who are over 17 years old to serve as CAFFE election observers.

Baston also pointed to what she described the transformative potential of the partnership with the private sector entities for the upcoming election which is due by February 2024.

“Our collaboration with each organisation will enable us to realise our goals in the upcoming elections. It will empower us to recruit, train, and deploy sixth-form students in polling stations across the island. By working closely with the Mayberry Foundation and esteemed allies like Supreme Ventures Limited, Stewart’s Automotive Group, and Wisynco in this and future endeavours, we are playing a pivotal role in shaping a civic-minded and dedicated citizenry – the very bedrock upon which the foundation of a robust democracy is built,” added Batson.

She noted that CAFFE aspires to have at least 300 volunteers on election day to promptly report on poll quality, underscoring their commitment to good citizenship.