KINGSTON, Jamaica — Approximately 120 families benefited from $2.6 million in book vouchers for the back-to-school season courtesy of Caribbean Cement Company Limited.

The investment, part of its annual back-to-school programme, provided vital support to the families ahead of the upcoming academic year.

The initiative was held on July 24 aboard the MV Logos Hope, currently docked at the company’s coal pier where families from five communities across Kingston, St Andrew, and Clarendon benefited 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.

Caribbean Cement Company Limited’s Managing Director, Jorge Martinez (second left), presents a voucher to Jodi-Ann Bowen of Project Star (left), during the company’s annual back-to-school voucher programme held on July 24 aboard the MV Logos Hope book ship, docked at the company’s coal pier in Kingston. Also pictured (from second right) are Chad Bryan, communications and social impact coordinator, and Jerome Cowans, social impact specialist.

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”.

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 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 Caribbean 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.