At the heart of Petrojam Limited, Jamaica’s sole oil refinery, beats a commitment that transcends our role as an industrial powerhouse. We are more than mere oil refiners; we are stewards of positive change and architects of transformation in local communities.

The question we constantly strive to answer through corporate outreach is: Why do we give back? The answer lies in our unwavering dedication to the growth and development of our country, Jamaica, evident in our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that span critical areas, including safety and the environment.

Enhancing Safety

Be it within our operations or on the roads, our dedication to safety is reflected in our motto ‘Safety, our number one priority’. This principle forms the core of Petrojam’s comprehensive process safety programme, which is underpinned by our foremost core value, ‘Commitment to Health, Safety, and the Environment’.

Just recently we acquired a new automotive foam fire apparatus (fire truck) and ambulance to strengthen our safety programme and this fire truck’s capabilities go beyond conventional firefighting purposes to address process unit and tank field fires, building fires, and cooling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spheres. The unit also supplements our Fire Water System by providing foam solutions to extinguish any fires that may arise in the refinery.

Throughout the years, Petrojam has enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). On several occasions, we have supported its capacity-building initiatives, including financing training sessions, locally and overseas, for JFB firefighters.

Petrojam has also provided personnel and resources during fires. Likewise, the JFB has provided extended use of their units to Petrojam at critical points, underscoring the strength of this partnership. This acquisition will, therefore, redound to the benefit of the JFB and, by extension, Jamaica, in as much as we can support their firefighting capabilities. We also collaborate with the JFB for National Fire Safety Awareness Week.

This collaboration underscores the strong bond between our organisations and highlights our shared commitment to safety and emergency response in Jamaica. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the JFB and continuing to work together for the betterment of our community.

The acquisition of an ambulance adds an extra layer to our safety response. The highly hazardous nature of our operations demands that we have an effective emergency health response system and enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential incidents.

We also make it our point of duty at Petrojam to promote road safety tips, especially during busy holiday periods.

Burn Care Advancement

Petrojam, in recognition of the urgent need for a fully equipped burn care facility on the island, has forged a partnership with the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) to actualise this imperative. The fund-raising launch was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the Jamaica Pegasus, under the theme ‘Burn Care Matters’.

The estimated cost for constructing and equipping this facility is $260 million. Oversight of the project is entrusted to a steering committee comprised of representatives from Petrojam and the UHWI, with support from three subcommittees focusing on marketing and public relations, construction development, and medical aspects. A local bank account has been created to facilitate contributions and inquiries regarding donations or partnerships can be directed via e-mail to pr@petrojam.com.

Additionally, arrangements for a USD-denominated account are currently being finalised. The milestones achieved to date include development of the architectural designs, 3D visuals, a preliminary schedule, and cost estimate for the proposed burn care facility. This is one other initiative that demonstrates Petrojam’s commitment to nation-building.

Preserving the Environment

In joining hands for a cleaner and greener environment, we initiated our first beach clean-up in 2014. Since then we have consistently organised annual and quarterly beach clean-up activities to address the regular accumulation of garbage along our coastline.

Since 2014, Petrojam has demonstrated its dedication to health, safety, and environmental stewardship by removing over 43,600 pounds of debris from Kingston Harbour through ongoing beach clean-up efforts.

Last year, during the September International Coastal Cleanup Day celebration, Petrojam reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability. Through collaborative efforts with the neighbouring Greenwich Town Fishing Village, the quarterly clean-up initiatives highlight the shared commitment to preserving and fostering unity for a cleaner, greener future. With our upcoming clean-up scheduled for March 2024, we anticipate surpassing the milestone of waste removed from the Petrojam coastline.

These quarterly coastal clean-up activities align with national efforts organised by the Jamaica Environment Trust and have echoed our commitment to sustainable practices. In line with this dedication, our partnership with the GraceKennedy Foundation amplifies our environmental efforts, exemplified by the Petrojam Recycle Programme, with the theme ‘Bin It, There’s Use In It’.

Petrojam’s commitment extends beyond its role as Jamaica’s sole oil refinery, embodying a profound dedication to positive change and community transformation. Our focus on corporate social responsibility encompasses critical areas, including safety and environmental stewardship. As we forge ahead, Petrojam remains committed to expanding its innovative initiatives, striving to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the growth and well-being of Jamaica.

Telroy Morgan is general manager of Petrojam Limited.