Caribbean Cement Company Limited (Carib Cement) has donated of 900 bags of cement to some 260 firefighters seeking to rebuild following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The company handed over the cement to the Jamaica Fire Brigade at the Black River Fire Station in St Elizabeth on December 17.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Managing Director Jorge Martinez, Commercial Director Andre Nelson explained that the donation was made in response to the damage suffered by firefighters during the hurricane.

“The stories of courage shown among our firefighters in braving dangerous winds, rising waters and life-threatening conditions to save others have been well documented. We are proud to stand with you as you consistently place service above self, particularly during what has been described as one of the most devastating hurricanes on record,” he said.

This is the second donation of its kind in recent weeks after a similar contribution made to St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz in the parish. Portions of that donation were also distributed to other schools and to community members through the Poor Relief Department of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation.

“We recognise that Carib Cement plays a vital role in national rebuilding efforts and we remain fully committed to supporting Jamaica’s recovery,” Martinez noted.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Stewart Beckford expressed gratitude to Carib Cement for the consideration shown through this donation, as well as for the assistance already provided at the national level.

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. The company has also facilitated a medical mission to the parish.

In addition, support has been extended to hardware customers through the commercial department, with discounts offered to assist businesses in their recovery efforts. Affected staff members have also been receiving assistance.

Carib Cement has further reassured the public that it mainains adequate supplies to meet all market needs and remains committed to ensuring a reliable supply as Jamaica continues to rebuild.