Derrick A. Scott, Contributor

Washington, D.C.:

The Jamaica Women of Washington Association (JWOW), has contributed US$125,000 (J$8.87 million) to a number of charitable organisations in Jamaica over the last five years. The charities are Jamaica AIDS Support, Mensana, Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (Cumi), the Jamaica Cancer Society, Family and Parent Centre and the Western Society for the Upliftment of Children.

This was disclosed by the president of JWOW, Dr. Jaqcueline Watson, at the association's fund-raiser and wine-tasting reception held at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday. Dr. Watson told the audience that her association is committed to providing assistance to various health organisations in Jamaica. She further stated that the mission of JWOW is to raise awareness and provide support to organisations that focus on improving the health and quality of life of the under-served and vulnerable women, children and families, primarily in Jamaica.

Future plans

The JWOW president pointed out that from the staging of the 2007 'Tee-off To Good Health Golf Tournament' in June, JWOW was able to donate over US$45,000 to community-based organisations in Jamaica, with the bulk of the donation going to the Jamaica Cancer Society for the prevention of prostate cancer among men. She also disclosed that the 2009 Golf Tournament will be held in Jamaica, which will also serve to attract tourists to the North Coast.

In her remarks, Sharon Miller, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Jamaica, lauded JWOW for its commitment to Jamaica and the diaspora.