APPLYING for a Charitable Organization Registration Certificate is a process executive director of Eve for Life Joy Crawford says the organisation had done, easily, for almost 18 years, until February 2025 when a month-long process turned into a year-long headache.

The certificate, administered by the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS), allows non-profit organisations to legally operate in Jamaica and benefit from tax exemptions.

Addressing a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange last week, Crawford said her organisation applied for the certificate in February 2025. However, she said the team did not receive the document until March 2026, five months before it is to expire in August 2026.