Trust

Jamaicans have a healthy mistrust of those in positions of power and prefer to place their trust in people they are familiar with and who treat them like family, such as their extended family and close friends. This is demonstrated by the fact that many people still favor creating a "partnership" with friends and family over visiting a bank to obtain a loan.

A partner is a financial agreement made by neighbors and friends. Each member of the group commits to making a fixed investment into the partner for a predetermined number of weeks. A down payment for a significant purchase, like a house or a business, is made with accumulated funds.

Trust is the fundamental quality a partner must possess. A friend or relative must endorse a person in order for them to join the elite group.