Bank of Jamaica Sets Islandwide Programme for 65th Anniversary

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is set to open activities for its 65th anniversary on Sunday (May 31), with events focused on recognising employees, supporting communities and strengthening opportunities for young people across Jamaica.

Sheena Woodburn Francis, the BOJ's Head of Communications, shared the plans on Tuesday (May 26) at the Central Bank's Quarterly Monetary Policy Press Conference, held at the Garden Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.

She said the institution is using what it describes as a smart integration approach, placing anniversary activities within programmes that are already under way. The first event will be an ecumenical service on Sunday, followed by a week dedicated to employee appreciation.

Mrs. Woodburn Francis said high-school students will also be part of the anniversary programme. Through a partnership with Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal) under the Propel initiative, the BOJ will connect with young people through its financial literacy work, with an emphasis on their development and empowerment.

A competition for high-school students islandwide will form part of the schedule. Teenagers from schools in all 14 parishes will be invited to create and share content showing what they understand about the Central Bank's role and functions. Mrs. Woodburn Francis said both the participating students and their schools will benefit.

The BOJ will also introduce a graduate internship programme for university students as part of the commemoration. Mrs. Woodburn Francis said the programme will give recent university graduates meaningful exposure to the Central Bank, with areas such as cybersecurity and economics among the fields being targeted.

Further information on the anniversary activities is to be released to the public shortly. Mrs. Woodburn Francis said the observances will take in BOJ staff, communities and the wider Jamaican public served by the institution.

The 65th anniversary is being marked under the theme 'Honouring Our Past. Safeguarding Our Future'.