Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

If the Government would make even a marginal contribution to the voluntary sector, it would reap a 10-fold result, according to Webster Edwards, executive director at the Operation Friendship clinic in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston.

Mr. Edwards claims the clinic has had no significant refurbishing work carried out since it was built in 1968.

"It has been over 20 years since I have asked the Government for assistance, simply because I know it will not respond," he said. "This is the same story you will hear from any other voluntary organisation."

Struggling to survive

Despite the challenges, Mr. Edwards said the clinic's small staff continues to provide dental, eye, pre and post-natal health service, as well as emergency treatment.

He noted that the Kingston and St. Andrew public health department provides a few nurses but added: "The staff is struggling to suffice the demand from surrounding com-munities. We serve about 1,000 persons weekly."

He also noted that the clinic only has one trained mid-wife for its 'child-delivery' programme but that, for years, management have persevered because of how badly health care is needed in poor communities.

Facelift funding

Well, as a reward for their faithfulness, the clinic is to receive a much-needed boost resulting from the signing of a $6.4 million contract with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

This facelift will take the form of repairs to the roof, replacement of windows, improvement of sanitary conveniences, new water tanks, painting of the building, and the addition of new seats to the waiting area.

Carol Perry, internal auditor at JSIF, said the Operation Friendship is one that has a remarkable legacy in working with inner-city communities and that JSIF is delighted to become a part of that legacy.

"This is a group that we have utmost respect for, being in the same business of assisting others," she said. "We believe in the potential of this partnership to change many lives and we are confident that it will be a successful one".

Project contractor

Ms. Perry said JSIF chose to assist the clinic because of the commitment of its staff and the need for its service within Western Kingston.

Operation Friendship will also act as the project's contractor under the supervision of the JSIF.

She said the project is expected to begin within the next two weeks and is scheduled for completion in three months.