Seven projects from five parishes have been shortlisted for the Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance. The award of $200,000 and a Kay-Sullivan-sculpted bronze resin trophy to be presented on Emancipation Day. An Environmental Foundation of Jamaica award of $100,000 will also go to the project with the best credentials in Environmental Conservation or Child Survival and Development.

The shortlisted entries are:

The multifaceted Flankers Community Development Centre of St James, founded in 1976.

Ten-year-old Manchioneal Community Development Programme of Portland.

The Martha Brae Youth Express YES Club, 1 Homework Learning Centre of Trelawny, established in 2000.

Woodford Homework and Learning Centre of St Andrew, started in 1994.

The three-year-old Norwich-Boundbrook Water Supply System of Portland.

The Pear Tree Grove Post Office of St Catherine, started in 2001.

The 14-year-old Promoting Children's Right to Development Programme, also of St Catherine.

The Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance goes to the project that best exemplifies the Jamaican traditions of self-help and community cooperation. The criteria include community initiative and participation; gender equity, where appropriate; sustainability; and economic, social, cultural and environmental impact. Youth participation is also a positive factor in the judging of projects.

The judges will visit the shortlisted projects over a two-week period from June 12 to June 25.

For further information, contact Louis Marriott, telephone 927-2288/927-0563/977-0770/(mobile) 838-2421.