
Jamaica – Blue and John Crow Mountains
I’m quite sure that many Jamaicans think non-governmental organisations (NGOs) exist on thin air. They do not. In fact, they exist by stretching their dollars as far as they can go – and then stretching them some more. Quite often, NGO workers are volunteers or semi-volunteers. Quite often, the heads of NGOs dip into their own pockets, to keep things going. They make sacrifices. Many NGOs (not all, but many) live virtually hand to mouth. Their staff is remarkably small, and usually work long hours. They are dedicated.
Moreover, given the huge gaps in Jamaica’s government services, NGOs also often have to pick up the slack and fill those gaps, where they can. Somehow the needs are always growing, and the funds never stretch far enough to fill those needs.
This is perhaps especially true of environmental NGOs, which are often sidelined because people (and local companies) would prefer to support other “causes” that seem more pressing and emotionally appealing.
Source: Environmental NGOs Need Funds: Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust
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