Marubeni Power International, in collaboration with Food for the Poor Jamaica (FFPJ), brought a little Christmas cheer to two St Andrew primary schools through the donation of care packages valued at J$1 million to parents in the surrounding communities.

At the Drews Avenue Primary School, parents (eventually joined by the little ones) gathered from early to receive the packages prepared by the team for distribution.

Marubeni, majority shareholder of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), and Food for the Poor teams then journeyed to Mountain View Primary for a similar exercise. At both locations, Marubeni executives personally gave out the food packages and also took time to interact with students and parents in the spirit of the season.

Mohamed Majeed, Marubeni managing director, told the parents, school administration and members of the community that the company’s commitment was to improve the welfare of the people of Jamaica, and to help build the community.

“We take great pride in being able to touch the lives of students and parents and to support your well-being at this time,” he said.

This year’s holiday donation continued Marubeni’s outreach programme in collaboration with Food for the Poor in support of educational institutions, including direct assistance to vulnerable persons in various communities. Last year, the Marubeni-FFPJ team journeyed to the Hart Hill community in Portland, where they made a similar stop at the Hart Hill Basic School.

In addition to its investment in Jamaica through the JPS, Marubeni has also supported education initiatives and infrastructure improvements at several schools as well as other community-based social interventions. The company has awarded scholarships totalling US$20,000 to five UWI engineering students, and has taken them on a tour of the South Jamaica Power Company in St Catherine.

Founded in 1858, Marubeni Corporation is one of the largest Japanese industrial conglomerates, with interests in commodities trading in addition to its strong electrical and industrial plant businesses. 

Marubeni Power International also holds a majority ownership stake in the 194-MW capacity power plant operated by South Jamaica Power Company in St Catherine. Since its acquisition, Marubeni — through its ownership in the utility — has invested significantly in upgrading the grid as well as in preparation for renewables integration.