UNDP Resident Representative, Denise E Antonio

Wednesday 26 May, 11:30 a.m.

• Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government & Rural Development,
• Mrs. Marsha Henry-Martin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development,
• Staff of the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development
• Other distinguished guests including members of the Media

Good morning All.

As Resident Representative for The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), I am honoured to participate in this important event and delighted  to represent the joint-UN and European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative in officially handing over10  Global Positioning System (GPS) units to the Ministry to support gender sensitive and inclusive planning at the local levels.

As part of the Spotlight Initiative and in partnership with Government and civil society, UNDP is committed to supporting a comprehensive approach to reduce Gender Based Violence and ensure that men and women and boys and girls can achieve their full potential.

The joint UN team recognizes the pivotal role that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development plays in national and community development, and by extension in driving change at the local levels. This role is critical in achieving equality at the national, local and community levels and addressing the development needs of women and men.  Economically vibrant, safe, secure and socially cohesive communities are integral in transforming Jamaica and achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

As such, UNDP is pleased to be supporting you in this critical role by donating these 10 GPS units for the purpose of data collection, community mappings and profiles to facilitate development of local sustainable development plans in rural and urban areas island wide. We know that these plans will include integrated prevention strategies related to the reduction and eventual elimination of violence against all Jamaicans, especially Violence Against Women and Girls

Ladies and gentlemen national data indicates that men are the main perpetrators and victims of crime. Also,28% of women in Jamaica experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2018, 71 per cent of girls under 18 who were victims of crime had been raped. Two out of 10 girls aged 15 to 19 years think it is okay for a husband or partner to hit his wife or partner, and 85 per cent of children experience violent discipline at home.

This is why the Ministries’ work is so important because it acts to bridge the gap between policies at the national level and implementation through practical solutions at the parish and community levels.

UNDP is honoured to partner with the Ministry to address the challenges faced by men and women in communities and together deliver evidence-based programmes that prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including family violence that affect both men, women and children.

In partnership with Government, Civil Society, Private Sector, Media, Communities and other important stakeholders we believe we can make a difference.

Applying proven technology for improved research and field work to support and inform strategic planning is critical to knowing the full extent of the challenges to support more effective responses. Hence, we look forward to far-reaching positive impacts of this donation as we all work together to achieve the development goals of Jamaica.

Thank you.