In Jamaica, a concerted effort is underway to tackle a challenge that has long hindered progress and prosperity – the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, with a population of 2.73 million, Jamaica faces the stark reality of high crime rates. Firearms, arriving through official and unofficial channels, play a pivotal role in fuelling organized crime, contributing to homicides and violence concentrated in urban and rural areas. Indeed, on average nearly 80 per cent of all homicides in the country have involved the use of a firearm.Vision 2030 Jamaica, the National Development Plan, underscores the profound impact of crime and violence on the country’s development and its impact on citizen safety and security. Recognizing the complexity of this issue, spearheaded by the United Nations, the Joint Programme on reducing small arms & light weapons in Jamaica, under the umbrella of the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund, stands as a shining example of coordinated action and support for the island nation pooling in various actors and expertise to address both the supply and demand sides of the problem.Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the programme leverages the strengths and expertise of four key UN entities: the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), the Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Working to deliver as one, the UN Country Team has synchronized efforts to channel investments towards addressing the scourge of illicit small arms and the SDGs and national priorities, more broadly.Caption: Working with local authorities and law enforcement in Jamaica, the Programme is working steadily to build skills among these groups to detect and to prevent the use of illicit small firearms.Photo: © UN Jamaica/ SALIENT ProgrammeEmpowering Jamaica for a Safer TomorrowThrough the Programme’s targeted capacity-building sessions, law enforcement officials at the nation’s maritime and seaports, airport authorities and customs agents now boast of improved detection capabilities. The Programme is also providing legal advice and legislative support in the development of a new Firearms Bill, a  legislative framework governing small arms reduction.Further, it has also facilitated meaningful research by launching the first Violence Audit conducted in Jamaica. The Audit is the first time a clear baseline has been established on the use of small arms and light weapons in volatile communities. Moreover, the inter-agency technical working group, an innovative component of the programme, has fostered increased collaboration and information sharing, ensuring a comprehensive and people-centered approach to tackling violence.The Programme has also worked closely with educators and youth to foster firearm free and peaceful school communities. Engaging closely with the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Programme has led to the establishment of clear guidelines on reducing the presence of firearms in schools, opening channels of communications to various breaches and recording incidents of use. For vulnerable youth, the Programme has been instrumental in setting up “Youth For Peace Clubs” that are helping inculcate peaceful conflict mediation skills, manage their social and emotional behaviours and tackle gender stereotypes to bring about change.One teacher, participating in the training, commented, "I really appreciated all that was shared about peace. My main take away is that peace is more than just a word but an active tool to effect positive change in all our lives and improve the quality of our lives. What I will do now is to promote peace in all my classes and guide my students to peaceful resolutions for their conflicts.”Reflecting on how interpersonal conflicts would earlier escalate into fights and the change since the Programme’s intervention, two youth participants to the training said, “I learned the difference between conflict and violence. I want to use my learnings to change the school. I want to be a change maker. I want to create a Youth For Peace Club at my school.”Caption: From undertaking a "Violence Audit" to raising awareness across parts of society, the Programme is taking a holistic approach to minimizing firearm-based violence in the country.Photo: © UN Jamaica/ SALIENT ProgrammeBeyond Borders: Impact and ExpansionThe impact of the SALIENT Joint Programme reverberates beyond Jamaica's shores. There are undoubtedly lessons learnt which can be applied to programmes safety and security across the region. Recognizing the success achieved, there is optimism for additional funding in 2024 to scale up its efforts in Jamaica and in other countries (Cameroon, South Sudan) and expand the programme, underscoring its sustainability and potential for further positive change. The Programme is also expected to be replicated in Ghana, Honduras, Panama, Kyrgyzstan and Papua New Guinea.A Unified Vision for a Safer WorldIn a world often marred by disparate efforts, this initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when UN entities, governments, and communities unite with a common purpose. The SALIENT Joint Programme, embedded within the Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSCDCF) 2022-2026, dovetails seamlessly with Jamaica's national priorities.In reducing small arms and light weapons, we not only secure the tangible safety of nations but also pave the way for sustainable development and the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, health improvement, quality education, gender equality, decent work, and peace leaving no one behind.The ‘SALIENT’ Joint Programme continues to grow thanks to the generous support of the Governments of Sweden, Japan, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, France, New Zealand. For more information about the UN’s work in Jamaica, visit Jamaica.un.org. 

On 24 October 1945, the United Nations Charter entered into force, giving birth to an international organisation that would become an indispensable force for good around the world: the United Nations (UN). This milestone, known as UN Day, offers an opportunity for celebration and reflection for UN member States. This includes the Caribbean, where UN Day is commemorated with fervour and a diverse array of activities that showcase the region's commitment to the principles of peace, justice, and sustainability. This year, the call for peace and the cessation of conflicts that affect thousands of people around the world proved to be the common thread tying together UN Day activities in the region. This story explores how several Caribbean nations commemorate this occasion, highlighting their unique contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! Jamaica: Threading through UN history   In Jamaica, the UN Country Team joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade for a UN Day celebration at the new foreign affairs building in the country's capital city, Kingston. Officials highlighted Jamaica's rich history of support for and participation in the multilateral process through the UN. Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Ian Stein, joined the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, The Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, and the State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, The Hon. Alando Terrelonge, in delivering remarks at the ceremony, celebrating the signing of the UN Charter, the history of Jamaica at the UN, and some of the interventions the country has led at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) since becoming a member State in 1962. Caption: Ian Stein, PAHO-WHO Representative to Jamaica and UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Jamaica (L) Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica Photo: © RCO Jamaica Jamaican youth representatives were also in attendance at the ceremony which saw the Resident Coordinator joining local heads of UN offices, agencies, funds and programmes to participate in several panel discussions, fireside chats and the cutting of a UN 78th anniversary cake.   Caption: Young people gathered at Hillel Academy for a UN Day celebration featuring a special cake Photo: © RCO Jamaica The UN in Jamaica also partnered with civil society organisation, The United Nations Association of Jamaica, for a UN Day activity that brought together scores of young people at the Hillel Academy in Kingston, Jamaica. Participants discussed and generated ideas for peace building within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16): peace, justice and strong institutions. UNICEF, representing the UN Country Team, presented on digital innovations and other resources available to help youth navigate the challenges of the modern world: from mental health to skills building. Bahamas: Youth involvement at the fabric of the UN      The UN Country team in the Bahamas celebrated UN Day 2023 with the first of its kind youth forum and panel discussion with civil society and government partners in the Bahamas. The Resident Coordinator, Dennis Zulu, was in the country for the celebration where he participated in the youth forum, underscoring the pivotal role of the UN in supporting Bahamas’ national development priorities. The event brought together young people in their numbers to engage around the principles and values of the UN as well as the SDGs.  Photo: © RCO Jamaica   Barbados: A Parliament bathed in blue   In Barbados, the historic Parliament Building in Bridgetown was transformed into a radiant sea of blue as the United Nations collaborated with the Government of Barbados to mark the UN's 78th anniversary. This powerful visual symbolised the commitment to UN values of peace, justice, and equality for all. Under the leadership of Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, the President of Barbados, the event brought together over 150 distinguished guests, including Parliamentarians, members of the senate, diplomatic representatives, civil society leaders, and private sector stakeholders. They converged in the courtyard of the Parliament for the annual UN Day Reception and Lighting ceremony. Photo: © RCO Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean The highlight of the evening was the ceremonial illumination of the Parliament, an act that remained a glowing testament to their commitment for a whole week following UN Day. UN Resident Coordinator (RC) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean states, Didier Trebucq, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds, were the esteemed individuals who flicked the switch, symbolising the unity between the government and the UN. In addition to the formal ceremony, the evening was filled with joyous moments. Guests relished delicious food and enjoyed lively entertainment, including performances by former Calypso Monarch and Barbados' Cultural Ambassador, The Hon. Stedson "Red Plastic Bag" Wiltshire, and young steel pannist Judah Goddard. Celebrations extended to Friday, 27 October, with a Staff Day at UN House. It was a day of fun and healthy competition, including activities like the SDG Costume competition, the UN Iron Chef Competition, and a team SDG Scavenger Hunt. This day they also placed a strong emphasis on staff well-being, offering mini massages and a catered lunch. Photo: © RCO Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago: Grow local, buy local   The UN in Trinidad and Tobago hosted a reception that tapped local food artisans from vegan ice cream to steaming hot coffee brewed from locally grown beans. Trinidad and Tobago's food artisans were the stars of UN Day celebrations this year. Under the slogan “Grow Local, Buy Local”, these micro-entrepreneurs demonstrated how they grow and handcraft niche products such as chocolate, jams, cassava brownies, Moruga Hill Rice muffins, fruit bowls, and iced tea using environmentally friendly, sustainable practices. Caption: The Alliance of Rural Communities of Trinidad and Tobago (ARCTT) showcase their sustainably grown cocoa products at UN Day celebration Photo: © RCO/Mariela Bruzual This significant event, organised by the UN Country Team and the Office of the Resident Coordinator, brought together representatives from various sectors, including government officials, development organisations, the diplomatic corps, civil society, the private sector, and UN staff. The occasion was marked by speeches and reflections on the UN's essential role in addressing global challenges, highlighting the country's commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and human rights. UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana delivered a keynote address at the reception, emphasising the indispensable role of the United Nations in a world characterised by cascading crises and complex challenges. She underscored the need for collective international efforts to address issues ranging from conflict and insecurity to climate change. Kazana's remarks reinforced the importance of upholding the values enshrined in the UN Charter, a guiding light for nations striving to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Caption: UN Resident Coordinator for Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten Photo: © RCO/Mariela Bruzual Minister of Planning and Development in Trinidad and Tobago, The Hon. Pennelope Beckles, also addressed the attendees during the event. Minister Beckles reiterated Trinidad and Tobago's steadfast commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and human rights. Her remarks reflected the nation's dedication to actively participating in global efforts to tackle pressing challenges, recognising the importance of international cooperation and the UN's role in fostering it.   Caption: Pennelope Beckles, the Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Planning and Development and Amery Browne, the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs patronise the local food stands. Photo: © RCO/Mariela Bruzual Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. The Honourable Amery Browne, delivered an important message reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. Dr. Browne highlighted the significance of human rights and sustainable development in the country's foreign policy and diplomatic engagements. This commitment mirrors the values upheld by the UN, making it a natural partner for Trinidad and Tobago in achieving common global objectives.   Guyana: Reaching the fourth estate    The United Nations in Guyana marked UN Day with a series of media engagements that underscored the UN's global agenda in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Country Team hosted a "media editors' breakfast", which also included the participation of the Guyana Press Association. The UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Yeşim Oruç, updated the media on the results of the UN System's work in the country. This annual engagement sought to strengthen relations with the leadership of media entities, recognising the vital role of the media as advocates for the sustainable development agenda in Guyana. Caption: UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana Yeşim Oruç engages media editors. Photo: © RCO Guyana/Marick Alli On UN Day, the UN Resident Coordinator participated in television and radio appearances. Her message to the public placed emphasis on the pillars on which the UN Charter was built - peace, development and human rights. Ms. Oruç said, “…it is ultimately the actions of people and of countries that uphold the UN – the only global organisation which belongs to all nations, to all people.” She updated on Guyana’s recent Voluntary National Review (VNR), which showcased the country’s achievements made to advance progress on several SDGs. Caption: UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana Yeşim Oruç engages with Mark Watson on ‘The Breakfast Show’. Photo: © UN Guyana The UN in Guyana also hosted two special events to show appreciation to its staff: a 24 October townhall helped to reinforce the importance of the UN system in driving the national development agenda; and a staff Games Day on 27 October, added an element of fun and competition. Photo: © RCO Guyana/Marick Ali On 31 October, Guyana's Human Resources Working Group hosted a health fair focused on the significance of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. This fair provided essential health services, including dental care, vision screening, medical consultations, and nutritional consultations. The National Blood Transfusion Service was invited and led a blood drive, further emphasising the UN System's commitment to promoting good health and well-being. Caption: UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana Yeşim Oruç participates in the health fair. Photo: © RCO Guyana/Marick Ali   Suriname: United in SDG action   The UN in Suriname celebrated UN Day with an SDG Walkathon. The SDG Walkathon attracted more than 300 participants representing UN agencies, government partners, NGOs, diplomatic community and youth. Caption: The UN Resident Coordinator in Suriname, Joanna Kazana, stops for a selfie while participating in the SDG Walkathon Photo: © UN Suriname The SDG Walkathon was an opportunity for UN agencies to showcase their vital work in Suriname, offering participants a chance to learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ongoing efforts to achieve them. Caption: SDG Walkathon participants showcase the event's hashtag while posing infront of an SDG display along the route. Photo: © UN Suriname Along the 5km path of the walkathon, a number of attractions were waiting for its participants including games, quizzes and photo opportunities. The impressive turnout demonstrated a genuine public interest in sustainability and understanding the global goals and their significance for Suriname's future. Photo: © UN Suriname     Antigua and Barbuda: A symbol of hope   The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, celebrated UN Day with a series of activities that included a flag recognition ceremony. The event served as a symbol of hope and mutual commitment to multilateralism. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs along with the UN Resident Coordinator delivered remarks during the ceremony which was attended by senior Government, members of the diplomatic corps, civil societies, and UN officials.  Following UN Day, Antigua and Barbuda continued its efforts to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Day activities continued with a beach cleanup exercise in collaboration with Adopt a Coastline, an SDG Art Competition, and more.   Grenada: Leave no one behind   The United Nations in Grenada celebrated UN Day with its annual Flag raising Ceremony and a panel discussion with youth with disabilities on the topic of ‘Inclusion’. The UN Country Team joined members of the Government for the flag raising Ceremony on the grounds of the country's Ministerial Complex. Grenada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Export Development, The Hon. Joseph Andall, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Grenada while Grenada Prime Minister, The Hon. Dickon Mitchell, joined UN Country Coordination Officer, Feona Sandy, for the planting of a Yellow Poui tree in commemoration of the 49 years of Grenada’s membership in the UN. Caption: The flag of the United Nations is raised and the Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell helps to plant a Poui Tree. Photo: © UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean A Panel Discussion was held at the Conference Room of the Windward Island Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), St. George’s University (SGU). In the spirit of true partnership and engaging all in the global Act Now Campaign for the SDGs. The UN collaborated with WINDREF/SGU, FLOW and the Grenada Co-operative Bank, on the events. Caption: Panelists and moderator at panel discussion on inclusion with youth with disabilities Photo: © UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean   St. Lucia: Youth debate the world we want    Over in Saint Lucia, the highlight of UN Day celebrations was an SDG Debate competition, organised jointly by the Department of Sustainable Development and the UN Resident Coordinator Satellite Office in Saint Lucia. Six students enrolled in the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Debating Society, deliberated on the topic: The Immediate Acceleration of the SDGs is Sufficient to Meet 2030 Deadline.     Caption: Shyne Savory was among the group of young persons who proposed the SDG debate topic Photo: © UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Shyne Savory, Daryn Leslie and Cameron Gustave, who proposed that "yes" the Immediate Acceleration of the SDGs is Sufficient to Meet 2030 Deadline, emerged victorious as the SDG Youth Champions. The audience included students from secondary schools in the north of Saint Lucia, Caribbean Youth Environment Network members, UN staff on the ground and other interested persons. An interesting feature on the programme was the SDG discussion session which provided the opportunity for a thought-provoking dialogue on the SDGs. A Saint Lucia SDG Video was also launched as part of the programme.   Saint Vincent and Grenadines: Charting the course to 2030   In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the UN Country Team organised several public awareness activities for their UN Day celebration. Collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, a flag-raising ceremony was held, along with a School Awareness Session. The School Awareness Session targeted over 35 students from the Adelphi Secondary School, educating them about the United Nations and its support for the country's national development priorities and its vision of achieving the 17 SDGs by 2030. Caption: School Awareness Session with the Adelphi Secondary School Photo: © UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean

ST THOMAS, Jamaica - Fluffy chicks skip across Shelly-Ann Crossdale’s toes, as she stands in a corner of her chicken coop reading lines from a book she has been writing for years. The page of the blue exercise book marked ‘My Life’s Story’ is illuminated by a single bulb. Ms. Crossdale is a chicken and cash crop farmer making a living in the hills of St Thomas with four of her six children and her partner. She farms and sells chicken, coffee, cucumber, corn and tomatoes on three plots of land. Shelly-Ann Crossdale aims to write a book about her life. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn   The book she is writing brings back a lot of memories, both good and bad.  “I was sexually abused from when I was five," says Ms. Crossdale. “I was on my own from about age 14, boxed [moving around without support] from one place to the other, [experiencing] every abuse you can think of." While still a teenager, she lived with a violent boyfriend who was also the father of her baby. One day, as he chased her through the house with a screwdriver, she told herself, "Mi nah run no more" [I’m not running anymore]. When he stabbed at her with the screwdriver, she stabbed him back and ran for her life without looking back.   Shelly-Ann Crossdale hopes that sharing her story will help others overcome abuse. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn     Charged with murder Frightened and alone, the 17-year-old hid in a gully before begging a neighbour to let her hide her in a backyard shed. She was discovered by an angry mob that kicked, shoved and cut her. It was the sister of her boyfriend who then informed her: "He’s dead". “I fainted," says Ms. Crossdale.  She was charged with her boyfriend's murder and spent five months in the remand centre, where she discovered she was pregnant with her late boyfriend's child. She was finally released thanks to a life-altering intervention. The entire attack had been witnessed by her boyfriend's son. “His son spoke on my behalf, and [told the court] it was self-defence,” she says. “The case was dismissed, and I did not get any sentence."   Shelly-Ann Crossdale farms and sells chicken meat, coffee, cucumber, corn and tomatoes. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn   Two years later, after sleeping on friends’ couches and taking odd jobs to support herself and her family, she was offered a place to stay with her grandparents. She saved some money and used it to buy 50 chickens and materials to build a coop. “That helped my kids through high school,” she says, but theft caused the business to run down and profits to dwindle.   Ms. Crossdale and her daughter Carli-Gaye pictured at home. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn     A new start Ms. Crossdale heard about a Spotlight Initiative-funded business and life skills training programme aimed at supporting domestic violence survivors. She enrolled with the hope of growing her business. “I told them [my vision is] to extend the chicken business, do my cash crops and get a vehicle where I can get to distribute,” she says. The women’s economic empowerment programme is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica in partnership with municipal corporations in Clarendon and St Thomas. Eighty survivors like Ms. Crossdale completed the training with the goal of increasing their financial independence. Studies show that economic insecurity is one of the key reasons why women remain in or return to a violent situation, so financial security is a critical step to break the cycle of violence. With financial support from Spotlight Initiative, Ms. Crossdale purchased 250 chickens, and spray pans to fertilize crops and seeds – an important resource for women farmers who account for only 32 per cent of registered farmers in Jamaica.   Ms. Crossdale's chicken farming business has flourished. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn   “It helped me a lot,” Ms. Crossdale says of the grant. “With 250 chickens, I got 500 and 600 pounds of chicken meat. Before, I harvested on average 200 pounds of chicken meat.” Ms. Crossdale says she was most impressed with the business planning guidance and budgeting training, which is helping her to assess her true earnings from her business. “I never knew (for example) that you should deduct costs for phone cards and taxi fares used in the business. So, it helped me a lot to kind of understand how to run the business and make the business productive,” she says.   Ms. Crossdale with her certificate from the Women's Economic Empowerment Programme. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn     Looking forward Ms. Crossdale continues to expand her horizons. “One of the things I achieved which I can be proud of is that I sent myself to nursing school and got my diploma in practical nursing," she says. "My children say, 'mummy mi proud of you. You never give up.'” She has words of encouragement for other women experiencing violence: “Don’t give up... Even now, I tell myself I’m not finished yet... I’m going to move on to either enrolled nurse or registered nurse. I’m not stopping.”    Ms. Crossdale with her partner Dwayne Eccleston and her daughter, Carli-Gaye. Photo: UNDP/Ricardo Makyn

The night 33-year-old Avorina’s Hall’s partner rapidly punched her face six times, everything faded to white before she slumped to the floor unconscious. He was a serial cheater who abused her relentlessly, and now he had quit paying her rent. This night marked an escalation. When she woke up, Avorina grabbed the nearest knife and lunged, but it sliced through a jug he raised to defend his chest and he fled. She knew he would return later, intent on killing her. So, she huddled in the front room with her three sons, a heavy wardrobe braced against the door. Later, he returned, kicking and pushing with all his might, but the wardrobe prevailed.   33 year old Avorina Hall has faced a lifetime of abuse, starting when she was four years old. Spotlight Initiative-funded training has equipped her with skills to overcome the trauma (UNDP/Ricardo Makyn photo).   Three nights later, he was back. “He wanted to sleep with me and when I told him over my dead body, he got upset and threw the TV off the wall and took a hammer to the serger”, she remembers. The serger, a specialty sewing machine that gives a finished look to her clothing, is her pride and joy. In a rage, he scattered its valuable parts across her dressmaking studio. In that crucial period of her life, something stirred.   Avorina and employee around her precious serger machine, now repaired after it was targeted by her former boyfriend. The serger ensures a professional finishing touch to garments. (UNDP/Ricardo Makyn photo)   Avorina was at the time enrolled in a small business and life skills programme under the European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative, soaking up lessons on her personal value, how to grow her business and how to deal with abusers. The women’s economic empowerment programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica in partnership with municipal corporations in Clarendon and St Thomas trained 80 survivors like Avorina. The 33-year-old fashion designer is seated around one of three sewing machines she owns, tracing her journey from victim to recommitted ad determined boss of her own business.   Avorina Hall, fashion desinger, dressmaker and tailor. (UNDP/Ricardo Makyn photo)     HE KNEW ABOUT SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE. HE KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN “I realize the reason he was so aggressive is because he saw my progress and he tried to stop it … He knew about the Spotlight Initiative, so he knew what was going to happen,” she concludes. Then other lessons started to click. “I never knew there was something called financial abuse. I was going through all the five abuses, and never knew I was going through so many. He called me names … he told me bad things; some things made me feel less than myself … so the Spotlight Initiative helped me a lot. Avorina pauses, seemingly for minutes and tears flow as she processes painful memories of lifelong abuse, the latest at the hands of her son’s father. Now she has newfound hope.   "The programme taught us that whatever we are doing, be serious and don't go halfway and stop. As females we learned we can independent and help ourselves financially." - Avorina (UNDP/Ricardo Makyn photo)     AN EYE OPENER "The programme taught us that whatever we are doing, be serious and don’t go halfway and stop. As females we learned we can be independent and help ourselves financially.” - Avorina Hall “When I met the Spotlight Initiative it opened my eyes to many things as it has helped me to push my business further. It (taught) us how to manage our business, what to do, what not to do, and how to dress to impress. It also taught us that whatever we are doing, be serious and don’t go halfway and stop. As females we learned we can be independent and help ourselves financially.”       People can testify and see the difference within me, because the woman you see today you wouldn’t see two years ago. It’s a different, different me. - Avorina BUSINESS HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER Today, the abusive partner is out of her life, stricken with mental illness after repeatedly threatening to curse her. The business has never been better after applying lessons learned in the Spotlight Initiative-funded programme, and she now employs one person, she reports. “Business is good so far to be honest because the community challenged me …right now, I never knew I could do wedding dresses, jackets, suits.  Now I’m doing all that. I believe I can do ALL things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me … I only been to high school, I never go anywhere else to learn sewing, so that’s when I realize it’s a gift”, she says.       TAPPING INTO HER GREATNESS “…(through) Spotlight Initiative I realise there are great things within me, and I need to explore it. That’s when I decided to take my business serious and wanted to move further. With the grant (I bought) another sewing machine … I would like to employ more persons in need and also train them free of cost and employ them after.  People can testify and see the difference within me because the woman you see today you wouldn’t see two years ago. It’s a different, different me. The group (fellow students) has opened my eyes to see that there is greatness in me. Jamaica has a 27.8% prevalence rate of Gender Based Violence according to the 2016 Women's Health Survey which revealed that more than 1 in 4 women aged 15 to 64 years experienced intimate partner physical and sexual violence in their lifetime.       Through Spotlight Initiative I realised there are great things within me, and I need to explore it. That’s when I decided to take my business serious(ly). - Avorina Hall, fashion designer       TRACING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE Avorina’s journey to a liberated business owner is in her words painful, but she wants her whole story told, no holding back. She says in order to understand her trauma, she must start at the beginning.       MY MOTHER GAVE ME AWAY 5 TIMES When Avorina was a little girl, her mother sent her away to live with friends and relatives no less than five times. In her words, “My mother gave me away,” the only one of her 16 siblings to be treated this way.  It was years before she could process her feelings of pain and bewilderment. She was two years old when it started. By four years of age, the godmother’s husband started to molest her. “She used to let me sleep with him. I had to make sure at nighttime I sleep in a tight skort (skirt and shorts combined), because if I don’t do it, he would molest me all through the night. While her godmother went to market in the days, she stayed out to evade abuse and was beaten on her return. When she told her mother what happened her reply was ‘hush, he did the same to me’.   Jamaica's Child Protection Family Services Agency (CPFSA) received 9,800 cases of abuse against children in 2020. Sexual abuse accounted for 20 percent of these reports. The children’s registry reports an average of 700-800 cases monthly for 2021. “At age 11 she (mother) gave me away again, to my grandaunt,” she recalls shaking her head.  The husband also molested her, and they used her like a slave, demanding she cook, clean and do their grocery. “When I was 13, she gave me away again”, she sighs. “That lady abused me very badly and her brother also used to molest me”.   Later she passed for Thompson Town High, but a bad sore foot prevented her from attending regularly, so she was placed in a class for slow learners. When she placed first in her exams, everyone realised she was bright. Her mother placed her in a better school in Clarendon’s capital, May Pen, and sent food on the weekends. “Nobody was there to protect me. I could go anywhere I wanted to go. I tried suicide two times because I felt nobody loves me. When my monthly (menstruation)come, I had to cut up clothes to make pads to see me through. I have nothing, no roll on until I met my son’s father at age 16,” Avorina says. He gave her money, sent her to school and bought her a sewing machine. Later she took her exams and earned a Grade two in Clothing and Textile. That was the beginning of her journey into the dressmaking business.   The first time I heard I was beautiful was when I was 14. I went home and looked in the mirror and saw myself for the first time. I never used to see it because I felt nobody loves me" - Avorina Hall     Avorina wants victims of abuse to know that they are valued and that there is life after abuse. THERE IS LIFE AFTER ABUSE Reflecting on her choice of an abusive partner, Avorina points to the childhood trauma that left emotional scars and wounds and reinforced feelings of worthlessness. Now she wants victims of abuse to know that they are valued and that there is life after abuse. From troubled child to confident woman relishing her financial freedom, Avorina is determined to put the past behind her and is focused on taking her business to new heights.      FOOTNOTES Text by UNDP Communications Analyst, Gillian Scott. Thanks to UNDP Spotlight Initiative programme manager, Shellian Forrester and thanks to teams from St Thomas and Clarendon Municipal Corporation and Clarendon Parish Development Benevolent Society for facilitating the interviews. Photos by Ricardo Makyn for UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica.