Rotary Club of St. Andrew North Commits $1.5M to Area 4 Police Civic Committee Trust Fund

The Area 4 Police Civic Committee Trust Fund received a major boost on June 30, 2006 when the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North handed over a commitment letter for $1.5 million to the Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas and Area Four Chair Ferris Ziadie at the Commissioner’s Office.

The Trust Fund was rehabilitated last year when the Jamaica Bankers Association and the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North pledged to donate funds and assist with the administration of the scholarship programme.

President of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North, Wayne Wray, remarked that the members of the Club were pleased to contribute to the building of the Area 4 Police Civic Committee Trust Fund which was its major project for the Rotary year July 2005 to June 2006. “During the period, the Club led an initiative to attract corporate and individual donations totaling $1.5m to fund scholarships for students attending high schools within the Area 4 police sub-division” continued Wray. “We believe that this partnership will bring greater awareness, funding and participation to and from Corporate Jamaica about the work, value and benefits of the Police Civic Committee in rescuing our children from the crime and violence which threatens their lives.”

Through the public appeal and awareness campaign, the Rotary Club was able to attract pledges and cash donation from corporations and foundations both locally and internationally. It was during this campaign that the Rotary Club of West Orlando, through international service director Paul Green and President Wayne Cox, pledged to make the initiative an international project of the West Orlando Club.

The Jamaica Bankers Association sponsorship of $1.8M was launched in September 2005 and has funded annual scholarships to 40 students over a 3 year period. Some of the Rotary funds will be disbursed in September 2006 following the addition of 20 students to the scholarship fund. JBA President, William ‘Bill’ Clarke noted, “As bankers, a main component of our business are people and it is hoped that the granting of these scholarships by the members of the Jamaica Bankers Association will assist with developing the minds of needy youngsters in our society”. He continued, “we invite other corporate entities to join this very worthy initiative or to support other civic committees island wide and contribute to education and community development.”

The Jamaica Bankers Association urges every citizen to play a role in providing opportunities and positive leadership for those in need.

July 4, 2006