Caribbean Cement Company Limited (Carib Cement) has delivered a trailer of cement to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) as part of continued relief efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Caribbean Cement Company Limited Managing Director, Mr. Jorge Martinez (third right), shares a light moment with Principal Mr. Keith Wellington (centre) following the handover of a trailer of cement at STETHS on 27 November. Also sharing in the moment, from left, are Group Managing Director of the Trinidad Cement Limited cluster, Mr. Francisco Aguilera, Principal of Park Mountain Primary and Infant School, Mrs. Carlene Williams Heath, Carib Cement Social Impact Specialist, Mr. Jerome Cowans, Communications and Social Impact Coordinator, Mr Chad Bryan, and Security Coordinator, Mr. Mark Webster. The cement donation will support rebuilding efforts for schools in St Elizabeth and residents affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
A portion of the donation will remain at the school to support repairs to its infrastructure, which sustained damage during the hurricane. Two additional high schools and a primary school will also benefit, with the remainder of the donation being provided to the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, through its Poor Relief Department, for distribution to residents who are actively working to rebuild their homes.
Caribbean Cement Company Limited Managing Director, Mr. Jorge Martinez (second left), and Group Managing Director of the Trinidad Cement Limited cluster, Mr. Francisco Aguilera (second right), take part in a demonstration with students at St Elizabeth Technical High School following the handover of a trailer of cement to the institution. The cement donation will support rebuilding efforts at additional schools in St Elizabeth and residents affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at the handover at STETHS on Thursday, Carib Cement’s Managing Director, Mr. Jorge Martinez, noted that the Rockfort-based cement manufacturer has been focused on mobilising support for affected communities at the local, regional and global levels.
He explained that, as part of the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) cluster, employees there have converted vacation days into funds to provide relief. In addition, the TCL team, working through the Red Cross, is sending care packages to Jamaica.
Mr. Martinez further highlighted that the company’s ultimate parent, Cemex, has launched its “Together for Jamaica” campaign, through which funds have been raised. These will be matched by Carib Cement and presented to Food for the Poor, Jamaica’s largest charity organisation, next month.
“It has been very impressive to see how our people have responded in bringing relief to Jamaica. This is a testament to our commitment as a socially responsible company. We are here to help build a greater Jamaica, and in the tough times, we will be there,” he said.
Managing Director of TCL, Mr. Francisco Aguilera, emphasised that Carib Cement is not only about producing cement but also about building a better future for everyone. He expressed gratitude to the more than 50 employee volunteers who have contributed to the relief activities.
“It is my hope that this donation brings some measure of relief. I hope it will help you rebuild and come back stronger,” he said.
Principal of STETHS, Mr. Keith Wellington, expressed sincere appreciation to Carib Cement, noting that the donation will help beneficiaries begin the process of securing their homes and communities.
“By giving them this start, many families will benefit from this contribution, and I want to thank you and encourage you to continue the good work,” he said.
Deputy Inspector of the Poor, Mr. Jermaine Porter, echoed similar sentiments, thanking Carib Cement for its tangible support.
Over the past several weeks, Carib Cement has delivered relief packages to several severely affected communities, including Woodside in Clarendon, New River in St Elizabeth and Darliston in Westmoreland, and has also facilitated a medical mission to that parish.
The company has extended support to hardware customers through its Commercial Department by offering discounts to help businesses recover more quickly.
Affected staff have also been receiving assistance.
Carib Cement has also reassured the public that it maintains adequate supplies to meet all market needs and remains committed to ensuring a reliable supply as Jamaica rebuilds.
