Caribbean Cement Company Limited (Carib Cement) has donated $1.3 million in textbook support to schools affected by last year’s passage of Hurricane Melissa, as part of ongoing efforts to aid recovery in impacted communities.
Beneficiaries include Success Primary and Infant in Hanover, Brompton Primary and Black River High in St Elizabeth. Some of the textbooks are earmarked for students preparing to sit Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, with several additional schools also expected to benefit from the initiative.
During a handover ceremony at Black River High School on February 12, Managing Director of the Rockfort-based cement company, Jorge Martinez, said the donation is intended to address potential learning loss caused by the hurricane.
“This donation will ensure that students remain on track academically despite the challenges brought on by the hurricane,” he said.
“We recognise that schools are central to community recovery, and ensuring students have the tools and environment needed to continue their education is critical. We remain committed to supporting affected communities through both immediate relief and longer-term rebuilding efforts,” Mr. Martinez continued.
In addition to textbooks, the company has earmarked cement for affected schools to assist with rebuilding and repair. A generator was also donated to Black River High School to support administrative operations and ensure continuity while electricity restoration continues.
Principal of Black hookup High, Christopher Romans, welcomed the support, describing the contributions as “extremely timely and demonstrative of the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility”.
Since the hurricane, Carib Cement has delivered relief packages to several hard-hit communities, including Woodside in Clarendon, New River in St Elizabeth and Darliston in Westmoreland. The company also facilitated a medical mission to Westmoreland and supported hardware customers through its Commercial Department to accelerate recovery.
Cement donations have additionally been made to St Elizabeth Technical High School and the Jamaica Fire Brigade at the Black River Fire Station, while affected staff members have also been receiving assistance.
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