KINGSTON, Jamaica – Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) says it has invested more than $7.7 million through an Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to assist communities impacted by the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl.

According to a news release, the funds are being made available through the company’s ultimate parent, Cemex, and have been used to provide packages of non-perishable food items, sheets of zinc, zinc screws and plyboards. Quantities of cement have also been allocated to the communities.

Over 100 families in the communities of Harbour View in St Andrew, Trench Town in Kingston, Woodside in Clarendon, and 11 Miles in Bull Bay, St Thomas have reportedly benefited so far.

Commenting on the donations following the handover of the materials and food items at the Denbigh Church of the Nazarene in Woodside, Clarendon on Monday, July 9, CCCL Managing Director, Jorge Martinez expressed satisfaction at the work done by the team to ensure the needs of the communities are met.

“This is a significant step in our efforts to support the communities in need, especially with the response time that we did. The dedication displayed by our team is truly commendable, ensuring that vital resources reach those who need them most. We remain committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” he said.

Meanwhile, Social Impact Specialist, Jerome Cowans expressed pride in being a part of an organisation that displays compassion for its communities.

“It’s inspiring to witness firsthand the positive change that Carib Cement is making in the people’s lives, and I look forward to continuing our social impact mission,” he said.

In response to the company’s efforts, pastor of the Denbigh Church of the Nazarene, Carlton Bryan, noted that the church as well as the community were grateful for CCCL’s support. The church was essential in reaching those persons adversely affected by Hurricane Beryl.

“We know that persons from this community have been affected, as in other parishes, but the response by Carib Cement to give back to this community makes us eternally grateful,” he said.

For his part, community facilitator and resident of 11 Miles Bull Bay, Lamar Clarke also expressed gratitude to CCCL for the support to the community.

“We are thankful because a few persons got displaced from their homes and generally they will have to rebuild before they can re-enter their homes so the support is welcomed so that persons can return to normalcy,” he noted.