The USAID Program: USAID’s program in Jamaica is designed to achieve transformational change that accelerates sustainable and equitable growth in the context of a more competitive world. The assistance seeks to support efforts to enable the private sector to be the engine for Jamaica»ss sustainable economic growth. Integral to this result is the importance of related USAID efforts to achieve a more healthy populace; to improve the education system and its contribution to creating a better trained workforce; to improve good governance and the rule of law, including significant reductions in crime and violence; and to ensure that disaster risk reduction and mitigation approaches are reflected in economic planning and implementation.

Current Project (REACT)

Since November 2004, Fintrac has been implementing the Jamaica Business Recovery Program (JBRP), a one-year hurricane relief project that provides technical assistance to disadvantaged businesses impacted by Hurricane Ivan. The project aims to match or improve pre-hurricane production levels for participating businesses. Sectors covered in the project are horticulture, poultry, fisheries and crafts. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is being implemented by Fintrac in conjunction with the Jamaica Exporter’s Association and under sub-agreements with Development Alternatives International, Inc. (DAI).

The USAID-funded Rural Enterprise, Agricultural and Community Tourism (REACT) Project's goal is to reduce poverty and spur economic growth through environmentally sound rural enterprises. Fintrac is implementing the agribusiness component of the project.

During the first year of the project Fintrac will continue to target horticulture and poultry farmers and other agribusinesses in the Parishes of St. Ann, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Trelawny, St. Mary, Portland, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. These farms will serve as demonstration farms aimed at furthering the project’s reach.

For more information about USAID visit: www.usaid.gov