The process to renew status or register as a charitable organisation became fully digitised on September 1, as the government moves towards introducing a new Non-Profit Organisations Act this October.
The Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS) will now be registering and renewing charitable organisations online through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) platform. The initiative has been implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce in partnership with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).
Portfolio Minister, Senator Aubyn Hill, told JIS News that the transition to a fully digital platform is part of the Government’s broader push to modernise public services while strengthening oversight of charitable organisations.
“On September 1, we’re going to launch all new applications fully online. Throughout the month, renewals can be done, and by the end of September, all the data that we have for existing charitable organisations, we expect to be fully online. You will be able to do everything online from your computer, and you will get your certificate on your computer. Now this is vital for us to do,” the Minister stated prior to the change.
Minister Hill noted that although services are moving online, DCFS offices in Kingston, Montego Bay and Mandeville will continue to provide support during the transition period, ensuring that individuals who require assistance can still access services.
Jamaica currently has approximately 1,475 registered charitable organisations, with 32 identified for enhanced supervision based on risk assessments. The government insists the transition to a fully digital platform is part of its broader push to modernise public services while strengthening oversight of charitable organisations.
“The digitisation initiative is especially important as Jamaica prepares for an upcoming review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international body that monitors compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards,” Senator Hill stated.
It was disclosed that of the 1,475 registered charitable organisations, 32 have been identified for enhanced supervision based on risk assessments.
