Denise E. Antonio | Peace, security are key for sustainable development – Part II ... A critical overview of UNDP’s contributions to Jamaica and a vision of the island’s true potential

In part I of this two-part series, Denise E. Antonio, UNDP resident representative, examined the cost of insecurity to Jamaica and how it denies Jamaica her true potential.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been pleased over the years to partner with the Government and people of Jamaica and other nations in this region in advancing Jamaica’s national development priorities, including those related to peace and security.

UNDP’s focus within the peace and security portfolio has included:

1. Supporting justice reform and promoting equal access to justice services.

2. Supporting the elimination of discriminatory laws.

3. Advancing policies and programmes to reduce inequality.

4. Enhancing citizens’ safety and security (for example, street lighting, small arms management).

5. Strengthening governance systems and the capacities of national and local institutions to deliver better services.

6. Strengthening law-enforcement institutions to carry out their mandates.

7. Improving data gathering and management systems to better monitor crime

8. Training members of the judiciary and law-enforcement officials in human rights.

9. Improving the capacity of countries to lower risks to natural disasters and withstand shocks.

Our internal evaluations tell us that although our interventions have had some impacts, radical steps are needed to achieve lasting peace and security in the region. If we continue with ‘business as usual’, we will lose the kind of impact we desire. Also, many of our projects require improved sustainability strategies. Often, interventions cease when the project ends.

IMPROVE QUALITY OF PEOPLE’S LIVES

We are pleased to report, however, that some UNDP-implemented projects have improved the quality of people’s lives.

Among them are: The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme that has awarded 19 grants to artisans valuing US$85,000, which they have used to significantly increase their income; the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (JCCCP) Project, through its climate change adaptation activities at the community level, has supported sustainable agriculture, improved access to water, including for irrigation, thus enhancing livelihoods.

The JCCCP also supported the development of a vibrant vegetable garden at a correctional facility by inmates.

UNDP also complemented national and local efforts for justice reform, reintegration of involuntary returned migrants, strengthening human resilience in selected communities, building national systems to combat trafficking-in-persons and enhancing social cohesion. These we do in collaboration with our international and local partners.

But there is more that we can do, and UNDP stands ready to support. For example, we must redouble efforts to provide psychosocial support to address the root causes and behavioural change. We must work to improve good governance and effective justice systems. Governance is the hand that cradles the Sustainable Development Goals: We must work to build strong inclusive institutions.

More emphasis must be placed on reducing multidimensional and intergenerational poverty. Most Caribbean countries are small island developing states (SIDS) and therefore require special support and attention. The one size fit all cannot work in and for these countries.

DARE TO HOPE

UNDP has learned that we must have a balance between upstream policy interventions and downstream practical projects, featuring initiatives designed to directly engage and make people’s lives better.

Climate change projects, for example, can focus on community resilience through improving sustainable livelihoods. A major example of this is seen in the JCCCP Project.

The quest for peace and security is well placed at the apex of Jamaica’s budgetary and development obligations and in its Vision 2030 plan for national development.

When Jamaica achieves a sustainable level of peace and security, this may usher in the greatest period of human development and economic growth in Jamaica’s history.

We dare to hope that:

- Jamaicans will have the freedom to live and reach their fullest potential.

- Poverty and inequalities will be reduced.

- A healthy environment will be created for effective provision of services.

- Foreign direct investments that advance development aligned to the country’s priorities will improve significantly.

- Social and political stability will improve.

- Jamaicans will be enabled to build a more resilient society.

We hope that UNDP will continue to be a valuable partner of choice to travel with you on this journey to unleashing the sustainable development potential of Jamaica through strategic focus on peace and security.

We stand ready to support you in this vital endeavour.

Denise E. Antonio serves as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Connect with Denise on Twitter @Antonio67Denise. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com