KINGSTON, Jamaica— Carreras Limited has committed $30 million to Project STAR, an initiative which aims to bring about societal transformation through targeted interventions in under-resourced areas in Jamaica.

Franklin Murillo, managing director of Carreras Limited said that his organisation has a rich legacy of nation building and that over the past 60 years it has been their mandate to give back to communities in which they operate.

“As such, we were drawn to get on board with Project STAR from the beginning. We see our involvement as an integral part of creating a better tomorrow for Jamaica,” he explained.

“As a result, we are looking forward to the continued improvement of communities across Jamaica, including raising the overall spirit and camaraderie of the people,” Murillo added.

He expressed confidence that Project STAR will lead to fundamental improvements within communities across the length and breadth of Jamaica. He said he is positive that the targeted interventions and tangible support will tackle societal issues such as unemployment, violence and economic challenges faced by members in the designated communities.

“Not only do these solutions align with most of our internal wellbeing initiatives, but they also fit perfectly into the government’s 2030 vision of making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business,” he stated.

Imega Breese McNab, executive director of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) said Carreras’ – backing and that of other organisations – is a positive sign that the private sector is enthusiastic about working together to address the socio-economic and safety and security ills affecting the country.

“The support from the private sector to Project STAR is a commitment to social transformation and the willingness of organisations to play a role by applying creativity and innovation in addressing issues affecting the society,” she said.

“For Jamaica to achieve equitable and inclusive growth and development, the social health of the society is important, which is inextricably linked to the growth of business. The private sector must be a force for social transformation,” she stated.

Breese McNab said businesses must align themselves to initiatives that will lead to sustainable development and a more humane economy as the wellbeing of Jamaica and businesses are interdependent.

Saffrey Brown, the initiative’s project director, said that Carreras’ support of Project STAR signals the company’s commitment to improve the lives of Jamaicans and the country in general.

“We are happy to welcome the Carreras team to Project STAR as we collaborate to positively impact the lives of the community members in our target areas. This donation is a testament to our shared belief, the power of collective action and the transformative potential it has,” Brown said.

Among the donors that have committed support to Project STAR are: Jamaica Money Market Brokers, Scotiabank, Musson Foundation, CB Facey Foundation (PanJam), National Commercial Bank, Sandals Foundation, Sagicor Foundation, Sagicor Financial Company, Digicel Foundation, GraceKennedy, Supreme Ventures, Barnett, Spanish-Jamaican Foundation, Restaurants Associates (RAL), Rainforest Caribbean, Barita, Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and American Friends of Jamaica.