LEADERS of some of the country’s top charities are warning that a proposed Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) Act could push some volunteer-run charities out of existence if new compliance requirements are imposed without consultation with the sector, while also reducing support for communities that depend on them.

The concerns were raised during a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange as representatives of charities and non-profit organisations argued that, while they support transparency and accountability, additional regulatory burdens could have unintended consequences for organisations already struggling to navigate what they describe as a cumbersome compliance environment.

At the heart of their concern is the Government’s stated intention to introduce a new NPO Act by October 2026. The legislation is expected to replace the existing framework governing charities and non-profit organisations as Jamaica continues efforts to strengthen compliance with international anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).