KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide financial support to blind students preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

“This MOU is a testament to our shared vision of an inclusive society, where everyone, regardless of ability or disability, is given the opportunity to excel,” Managing Director of the JSE, Dr Marlene Street Forrest, stated.

“We believe we must give more to the community that is disabled so that they can be abled and excel even in the financial community. This initiative is an investment in potential, in resilience, and the limitless possibilities that arise when barriers are removed and opportunities are provided,” she added.

The JSE’s commitment extends beyond financial assistance, as the partnership aligns with the core values of the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE), which emphasises empowering lives and strengthening communities.

“It’s about societies, it’s about people, it’s about empowering lives. Together, we are creating a pathway to success for these students,” Street Forrest said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Jamaica Society for the Blind, Daemion McLean, expressed profound gratitude for the JSE’s commitment.

“Thank you very much for considering the Jamaica Society for the Blind for this historic moment. The lives you touch… believe you me, it goes a very long way,” he stated.

McLean highlighted the critical need for such support, noting that the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is significantly higher than the national average due to qualification challenges and attitudinal barriers.

He highlighted the JSB’s role in providing a space where blind and visually impaired people can acquire the qualifications needed for upward social mobility.

“Today, the contribution of the Jamaica Stock Exchange is helping to deal with those scenarios,” McLean stated.

“It’s helping students to move from a point of hopelessness to a point of hope. It is bringing individuals into a space where they are cared for and looked after emotionally, helping them deal with the struggle of blindness as they grow older,” he added.

The initiative builds upon the legacy of Kelly Brown, a volunteer at the JSB whose vision led to the creation of the Society’s Empowerment and Education programme, which offers classes to blind and visually impaired individuals.

Both the JSE and the JSB are committed to ensuring the success of this partnership.

The JSB committed to provide regular updates on the programme’s impact, inviting the JSE to engage with the students and witness first-hand the transformative power of this initiative.

— JIS