Carib Cement boosts rebuilding efforts in St Elizabeth

Caribbean Cement delivered a trailer of cement to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) as part of continued relief efforts following 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.

Speaking at the handover at STETHS on Thursday, Carib Cement's managing director, 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.

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, Francisco Aguilera, emphasised that Carib Cement is not only about producing cement but building a better future for everyone. He expressed gratitude to the more than 50 employee volunteers who have contributed to 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, Keith Wellington, expressed 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.

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, as well as facilitating a medical mission to the latter parish.

The company also 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.

The east Kingston-based company said it has adequate supplies to meet all market needs and remains committed to ensuring a reliable supply as Jamaica rebuilds.