The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is acknowledging strides made as a result of community development projects in some of Jamaica's most challenged communities, and has signalled an increased focus on rural development, job creation and urban renewal for 2014.

Speaking at JSIF's 17th Annual General Meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus last Thursday, Managing Director Scarlette Gillings said for the 2012 to 2013 fiscal year, the Fund managed a portfolio of US$104 million (J$9 billion) comprising loans (69%), grants (26%) and government of Jamaica counterpart funding of five per cent.

She said for the fiscal year two grants were signed for the Basic Needs Trust Fund 7 totalling US$7.8 million and Poverty Reduction Programme III totalling EUR$10.04M which "will boost JSIF's ability to respond to more rural demands and needs."

Gillings said: "The current global realities and the development implications for Jamaica continue to highlight the need to strengthen community development efforts as it is the continuation of and increased effectiveness in these areas that will allow Jamaica to not only secure past gains but also cushion the effect of the global challenges."

Gillings said although "the fiscal constraints proved challenging, with innovativeness, strengthening of internal systems, increased efficiency and tenacity on the part of JSIF's leadership, staff and our many partners, the agency continued to work with communities towards our collective goals"

In its 17th year of operation, the JSIF has continued to improve its approach to project implementation and conducts continuous reviews of its processes and systems. The organisation was also recertified last year under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund was established in December 1996 as a component of the Government of Jamaica's strategy to reduce and eradicate poverty. JSIF invests in community-based projects as a means to empowering communities and building social capital.