Grange's exhortation to the SDC came as she addressed a meeting of the board of directors and senior management of the agency last Thursday. The minister referred to an awareness and image survey conducted by the SDC which showed that although just over 50 per cent of Jamaicans claimed to be aware of the SDC, only 18 per cent of those interviewed had been in any kind of contact with the commission.

"These findings clearly indicate that the SDC has to take the necessary steps to be more relevant to the people of Jamaica," she said.

Community development

Grange said that while "inroads" had been made, there still existed the need for the SDC to play an even greater role in community development. She said the SDC should provide what she described as a "road map" to opportunities for Jamaica's citizens, particularly the youth, whether as a solo implementation agency or in partnership with other government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

She challenged the SDC's management to "increase its commitment to working with people in communities, especially poor communities, given the economic and social challenges expected in 2009".

Supporting the minister's call were Lloyd Pommels, SDC chairman; the Rev Al Miller, deputy chairman and head of the National Transformation Programme Fresh Start; and Dwayne Vernon, acting executive director.

When you have kids, you get the full package - runny nose, nausea, diarrhoea, gripe and a slew of testy troubles that come with early childhood. The Gleaner's mental health specialist, Dr Orlean Brown-Earle, has all the answers. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company Limited 7 North Street, Kingston.