Jamaica’s main opposition People’s National Party has released its 2025 manifesto with a $1 billion ($6.25 million USD) annual pledge to fund faith-based community programs and commitments to partner with churches on social transformation and violence prevention, including support for survivors of domestic abuse, ahead of the Sept. 3 national election.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the election Sunday (Aug. 10) from the Clock Tower monument at Half-Way Tree, the commercial hub of the capital, Kingston. Holness’ Jamaica Labour Party won the last national election by a 49-seat majority in September 2020.
In response, the PNP, a social democratic party, has published Mission Jamaica Love: A Pledge to Country 2025 Manifesto. The document is built on 10 “pillars” according to Party President Mark Golding, though there appear to be 11 pillars listed among the wide-ranging promises for various aspects of life on the Caribbean island.
The pillars in the acronym “Jamaica Love” are: Justice for all; Access to quality education; Modern infrastructure; Agriculture & food security; Innovation & industry; Care for the vulnerable & health services; Accountability in governance; Land housing & ownership; Opportunity for youth; Violence prevention & safer communities; Environmental resilience.
Buried in the details of the 30-page manifesto is a proposal to establish a Faith-Based Community Transformation Fund (FBCTF) to “empower local churches and other faith-based organizations” to expand programs that strengthen families, support education, foster economic resilience and promote social cohesion.
“The PNP recognizes the deep-rooted influence of churches and other faith-based organizations in Jamaican communities, and their proven ability to drive social upliftment,” the manifesto states. “We will establish a Faith-Based Community Transformation Fund of $1 billion (replenished annually) … in a structured, accountable and impactful manner.”
Contributions to the FBCTF would be encouraged through tax-deductible incentives for private sector firms and individuals. The fund would be governed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund or an equivalent public body to “ensure transparency, efficiency and proper monitoring and evaluation of these resources.”
An annual report on the initiative, including audited financial statements, would be tabled for Parliament. A dedicated board comprising pastors, other community leaders and skilled professionals would oversee the FBCTF’s governance to keep it aligned with community needs and national development goals.
The PNP also pledged to create a Ministry of Social Transformation unit to support initiatives run by faith-based and community organizations.
Separately, the manifesto promises partnerships with churches and community groups to provide temporary shelters for female survivors of domestic abuse, especially in rural areas. The party cited statistics showing that one in four Jamaican women aged 15 to 64 will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
“Despite stronger laws and greater awareness, gender-based violence remains a national emergency,” the manifesto says. “The People’s National Party believes this crisis requires urgent action, bold innovation, and unwavering political will. We will move beyond press releases and promises to implement real, life-saving solutions that protect our women, uplift survivors, and prevent future harm.”
