ISLANDERS are “offering hope to some of the poorest people in the world” through the work of Jersey Overseas Aid, the Lieutenant-Governor has said as he was announced as the organisation’s first patron.
Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd said he was “both delighted and excited” to take on the new role, which JOA say will help raise the profile and promote its work in international development grants, humanitarian and emergency aid, supporting local charities working abroad and providing volunteering and outreach opportunities.
“Overseas aid helps foster global solidarity, reminding nations of their interconnectedness and our shared responsibilities in making the world a better place. By investing in JOA, Islanders are absolutely making a difference, contributing to a more stable and secure world, and offering hope to some of the poorest people on the planet. In short, JOA helps to offer hope to people less fortunate than ourselves. And that is a wonderful and uplifting thing to do,” he said.
Earlier this year Vice-Admiral Kyd met members from the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, as part of JOA’s outreach initiative on the Rohingya refugee response, taking part in a video call with a Jersey resident currently working for the agency in Cox’s Bazar, in Bangladesh, as part of a placement scheme with the UN.
So far this year, JOA has responded to a number of humanitarian crises in locations around the world, including the Middle East, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Sudan. Its emergency-funding mechanism ensures swift and efficient response through grants to organisations that adhere to the highest standards of quality and accountability. Recently it was appointed to lead a key UN humanitarian unit, becoming the first non-UN member state to co-chair the Pooled Fund Working Group.
JOA’s chair, International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, said they were delighted and honoured that the Lieutenant-Governor had agreed to be their patron and champion the work being done on behalf of the Island. “I know His Excellency to be a passionate supporter of overseas aid, and I look forward to working together to showcase how our small island community is making a significant difference on the global stage,” she added.
Vice-Admiral Kyd said: “Having served around the world in the Navy, often alongside aid agencies and other non-government organisations, I have seen for myself the importance of overseas aid in supporting longer-term development in countries where help is most needed. We really can make a difference in improving lives, particularly through basic education, essential healthcare and food resilience, which helps lift communities out of poverty and enhances quality of life.
“Overseas aid also has more strategic impacts, not least in reducing the likelihood of conflict and wars by stabilising regions and offering a better way of life. But this does take money and investment, which is why I am so proud that Jersey plays its part in this vital global effort.”
