advancing the B.E.S.T
Advancing the Business, Education, and Science & Technology sectors
The Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs (FIPA) was established in 1917 to safeguard trade, industry, and agriculture in Jamaica. Originally envisioned as a model organization for the British Commonwealth, FIPA counted among its honorary members prominent figures from the British House of Lords and House of Commons—see the document in Our History. Over a century later, at the new FIPA, we continue to uphold the founding principles that remain relevant today, while embracing fresh perspectives for the modern era. With our expanded mandate, we are continuously evolving to meet the needs of changing contexts and challenges. We invite you to explore our Family Centre, Mental Health Centre, Centre for Critical Thinking in Leadership, and the Trade Centre, each of which plays a vital role in our mission. Scroll to the bottom of the page to discover how these centres are interconnected and contribute to our three areas of focus.
Our Major Programmes
We build leadership expertise and critical thinking abilities through the programmes Strong People Strong Families (SPSF), and Strong People Strong Education (SPSE).
Strong People Strong Families
SPSF is our Centre for Family Education. The Centre is FIPA’s endeavour to assist individuals, families and organizations to help enable thriving families, organizations and communities, particularly in an increasingly uncertain future.
The Project provides resources that can be used by readers, human resource specialists, teachers, faith-based organizations, community development specialists and others.
Through these resources, the Project aims to increase physical, mental and emotional wellbeing by reducing unnecessary acute and chronic conflicts, violence and the heightened physical and mental trauma which severely impact communities.
Learn more about our exciting programmes
The New FIPA
Idea Lab and Four Centres
At FIPA, our four centres—Family Centre, Mental Health Centre, Trade Centre, and the Centre for Critical Thinking in Leadership (CCTL)—are designed to embody our three core areas of focus: education and culture, industry and commerce, and science and technology. Each Centre uniquely integrates these areas. The Family Centre emphasizes education and culture, the Trade Centre drives industry, commerce and technological innovations, and the Mental Health Centre merges science with education. Meanwhile, the Idea Lab brings together all four Centres, serving as the hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking across the organization.
Visit the About Us Page to see how the Idea Hub and the Four Centres are interconnected.
Please give to the FIPA Foundation