Scores of Jamalcoans swung into action at various projects as the company observes its
ninth annual Month of Service.
Tree Planting
The celebrations got underway on Friday October 3 with the observance of National
Tree Planting Day. Some ten team members journeyed to the York Town Primary, Foga
Road and Vere Technical High Schools and wo
Church Service
On Sunday October 5, some 23 Jamalcoans and their family members participated in a
church service at the Hayes New Town Phase 1 Independent Baptist Church.
During the Service, Corporate Services & Gov’t Affairs Manager Leo Lambert outlined
the tenets of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility noting that when it comes to
corporate philanthropy there is no company in Jamaica that does what we do.
He noted that while we celebrate Month of Service, this is just a manifestation of added
activities by the organization in October where specific activities are clustered to engage
the entire workforce to go out and volunteer as our communities and environment are
central in defining who we are.
According to Mr. Lambert Volunteerism is what defines us and we are dedicated to
quietly make a big difference in our host communities. “We are interested in leaving
footprints from which the future generations can benefit,” Mr. Lambert said.
He added that although the company is operating in times of change, “We will continue
to do what we do in terms of our relationship with our communities. Our corporate
spirit and desire to make a difference in our communities is not by chance it’s a way of
life for us, it’s embedded in our NDA,” he said.
He invited everyone to be agents of change in their little space and continue to join
hands in making our communities better.
Managing Director Antonio Melo says as a company we value our communities. He
thanked the church for accommodating us noting that with God on our side everything
will be successful.
Human Resources Manager Christopher Buckmaster read the morning’s lesson.
In his message, Pastor David Lord encouraged the team members to be of good cheer
despite the uncertainties that confront us. “Fear not, as God will not leave you or forsake
you. He will be with you always because he is your Jehovah Jireh,” he said.
Health Fair
On Friday October 17, some 60 residents from the Mitchell Town community benefitted
from a Health and Information Fair. The residents had their blood pressure, cholesterol,
weight, waist/hip ratio and vision checked by a team of doctors, nurses and Emergency
Medical Technicians (EMTs) from Jamalco’s Medical department. Nutritionist Patricia
Fletcher was also on hand to offer crucial tips on healthy eating habits.
The event also saw a number of agencies including the Clarendon Health Department
providing health education with special emphasis on the Chikungunya virus which is
affecting residents and ways to prevent and how to treat the illness.
Port Community Council Chairman Florizel Thompson commended Jamalco for
spearheading the initiative noting that many of the persons who benefitted from the fair
were suffering from by Chik V and could not afford the medical fees. “We are thankful
that the doctor was able to come to our community and administer to the necessary care
to the resident.”
The health and information fair was a collaborative effort between Corporate Services
and the Medical departments and was coordinated by Snr. Community Relations Officer
Phillip Biggs.
Mile Gully High School
Some 17 Jamalcoans and 30 community members volunteered at a work day at the Mile
Gully High School in North Manchester on October 17. The volunteers painted the
Grade 7 classrooms and prepared the foundation for the construction of new bathroom
facilities at the school.
Principal, Lawrence Rowe, expressed gratitude to Jamalco for assisting with this project
as there is inadequate bathroom facilities for both staff and students. He noted that the
existing facilities do meet the Ministry of Education’s requirement and the assistance
will help to deal with this inadequacy. “The energy displayed was very encouraging and
I cannot thank the employees who volunteered enough, he said”.
Community Relations Officer, Natalee Irving thanked her colleagues who rallied to
support the initiative.
Frankfield Primary & Infant School
The young children at Frankfield Primary & Infant School will soon be housed in the
new classrooms. Thanks to the Jamalco volunteers and community residents who rolled
up their sleeves and undertook preparatory work for the decking of the new classrooms
for the infant department.
This project which started last year, will increase the number of classrooms at the infant
department as the existing facility is overcrowded.
May Pen Infirmary
Members of the workforce rolled up their sleeves and displayed their skills during a
workday at the May Pen Infirmary on October 24.
In addition to constructing a pantry at the back of the ward, the volunteers repainted
one of the wards, scrubbed floors and cleaned the windows. Jamalco volunteers have
been partnering with the facility for over ten years which is home to some 140 residents
many of whom are forgotten their family members.
Matron of the infirmary Joyce Anderson expressed her appreciation to Jamalco for
remembering the less fortunate, as it undertakes its various activities during Month of
Service. Matron Anderson says now that the pantry area is covered it will be equipped
with a wash tub which will allow for a more hygienic and private place for the washing
dishes.
The company will also be making a cash donation of US$2,500 to the infirmary.
Porus High School 5K Road Race
Despite the inclement weather, the 5K road race coordinated by the Community
Relations Officer Errol Davy and the Porus High School was a tremendous success.
Approximately 150 students, Jamalcoans and residents braved the weather and took to
the streets in Porus for the health run/walk event.
Principal of the School Michael of the School thanked Jamalco for its generosity. “You
contribution will no doubt help to improve the school’s performance in the Science
subjects.
Mr. Lambert said he is proud that Jamalco and the Alcoa Foundation can reach out to
Porus High in this fashion. “This 5K is helping to raise funds for a just cause and we are
pleased to be associated with the event,” he said.
The patron of the activity was the 1996 400m Hurdle Gold Medalist. She commended
Jamalco for its investment and wished the children all the best as they undertake the
challenge.
The winner of the event was Michael Ferguson (Mines).