Mon | Dec 8, 2025

Carib Cement invests $2.6m in book vouchers ahead of new school year

Published:Monday | July 28, 2025 | 12:07 AM
Caribbean Cement Company Limited Managing Director Jorge Martinez (third left) presents book vouchers to students from Treadlight Primary School in Clarendon, and Harbour View Primary School in St Andrew, during the company’s annual back-to-school vouche
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Caribbean Cement Company Limited Managing Director Jorge Martinez (third left) presents book vouchers to students from Treadlight Primary School in Clarendon, and Harbour View Primary School in St Andrew, during the company’s annual back-to-school voucher programme held on July 24 aboard the MV Logos Hope book ship, docked at Carib Cement’s coal pier in Kingston. Also pictured are Chad Bryan (left), communications and social impact coordinator; MV Logos Hope crew member, Douwe Scheepsma (second right); and Jerome Cowans, social impact specialist.

Caribbean Cement Company Limited has invested $2.6 million in book vouchers as part of its annual back-to-school programme, providing vital support to 120 families ahead of the upcoming academic year.

The initiative was held on July 24 aboard the MV Logos Hope, docked at the company’s coal pier. Families from five communities across Kingston, St Andrew, and Clarendon will benefit from the vouchers, each valued at $18,000 and redeemable at Kingston Bookshop stores.

In addition, voucher presentations valued at a total of $108,000 were made to the social and economic transformation project, Project STAR.

Carib Cement’s managing director, Jorge Martinez, expressed pride in the company’s ongoing commitment to the communities surrounding its operations.

“These vouchers are not simply about purchasing school supplies. They represent our commitment to helping children start the school year with confidence and the resources they need to thrive,” he said.

“Education has the power to transform lives. It opens minds, creates opportunities, and lays the foundation for stronger communities. This investment is a long-term commitment to the future of the young people growing up here in the communities we serve,” Martinez continued.

He also extended his gratitude to the team from the MV Logos Hope for partnering with Carib Cement and for “opening the ship for this special occasion”.

“You remind us all that learning is a global journey and that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves the chance to be part of it,” he noted.

Meanwhile, crew member aboard the MV Logos Hope, Douwe Scheepsma, expressed thanks to Carib Cement for the partnership and encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity.

The Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, shares the gospel while offering a wide range of books and educational materials.

“The Logos Hope gives books because we care about people. We believe that reading, learning, and knowing God can make your life better,” he said.

For her part, Project STAR’s project director, Saffrey Brown, expressed sincere gratitude to Carib Cement for the ongoing partnership.

“Project STAR is grateful to Carib Cement for its commitment to community development. This investment strengthens our ongoing work to support the education-focused activities identified by community members themselves and empowers residents as they pursue their goals and build brighter futures,” she said.

Following the event aboard the ship, students and their parents were transported to the Carib Cement Sports Club, where they were presented with gift bags, courtesy of the MV Logos Hope containing additional school supplies.