KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), Jamaica’s largest and longest-serving umbrella non-governmental organisation (NGO), has taken a decisive step toward strengthening data privacy in the non-profit sector through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Securys Jamaica Limited.

The signing of the MoU took place at the CVSS’s office on Camp Road in Kingston on Wednesday, May 13. This partnership aims to help local NGOs meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act (DPA), 2020 without putting additional strain on limited budgets.

Under the MoU, Securys Jamaica Limited will deliver ongoing training, support, and practical solutions to CVSS’ members, ensuring they understand their responsibilities in safeguarding personal data. By aligning with Securys, CVSS is helping non-profit organisations navigate the increasingly complex landscape of data protection compliance with confidence and cost-effectiveness.

Kim Mair, chair of CVSS, noted that the partnership couldn’t come at a more important time. “As NGOs, we work daily with some of the most vulnerable members of society. It is our duty to ensure that the personal data we collect is handled with the utmost care,” she said. “This partnership is about empowering the sector, especially small and under-resourced organisations, to meet their data protection obligations confidently, without compromising their core missions.”

With over 150 member agencies including the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Jamaica Cancer Society, and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, the collaboration reflects CVSS’s ongoing commitment to capacity-building, a cornerstone of its mission since its founding in 1940. Through this initiative, CVSS seeks to ensure that all member organisations, regardless of size or resources, are equipped with the knowledge and tools to comply with the DPA and foster greater trust among the communities they serve.

Junior Darrell, head of commercial at Securys Jamaica Limited, emphasised the importance of bringing data privacy within reach of organisations that have traditionally been left out of these conversations.

“Too often, data privacy is seen as something only large companies can afford,” Darrell said.

“We’re proud to work with CVSS to change that narrative. By tailoring our support to the realities of Jamaican NGOs, we’re helping them protect both the people they serve and the reputations they’ve spent years building.”

The initiative will evolve in tandem with developments in data protection legislation and international best practices, ensuring long-term relevance and sustainability. By focusing on real-world challenges faced by the voluntary sector, the partnership will make compliance more attainable and less intimidating for NGOs that are already balancing significant operational demands.

Mair said that the partnership marks a significant step in CVSS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s social sector. As the coordinating body for a diverse range of voluntary organisations, CVSS continues to champion the issues that matter most to vulnerable communities, including the right to privacy and protection in an increasingly digital world, she noted.

It also aligns with Securys’ broader strategy to expand its footprint in Jamaica through strategic collaborations.

Recent MOUs signed with the Jamaica Independent School’s Association (JISA) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) underscore the company’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s digital resilience across both public and private sectors.

With the Data Protection Acon n effect since December 1, 2023, and the Office of the Information Commissioner having launched its registration process on June 1, 2024, NGOs that have not yet registered are already two full registration cycles behind. This growing delay significantly increases exposure to legal and reputational risks.

In response, the MOU between CVSS and Securys offers a critical opportunity for NGOs to catch up quickly—through expert support provided in a collaborative, cost-sharing model that becomes more affordable as more organisations participate. The CVSS is urging NGOs to act without further delay and contact them now to begin their compliance journey and take full advantage of this time-sensitive, cost-effective solution.

Data protection policies are increasingly required by international grant donors, especially when the grants involve collecting, storing, or processing personal or sensitive data. Many donors, especially from the European Union (EU), United Kingdom or affiliated with the UN, must comply with strict data protection laws such as the EU’s GDPR.

Good data practices align with the ethical values most donors promote, including privacy, informed consent, and safeguarding vulnerable populations.