Jamalco pushes social responsibility with computer donation to Mile Gully High

In a bid to strengthen their ties with the Mile Gully community, mining corporation Jamalco, under the leadership of its new managing director, Marvin Jackson, has made a gesture towards Mile Gully High School.

The company, operating within the Jamaican territory, has gifted the school with 10 computers, marking steps in their commitment to supporting education and social development in the region.

This act of social responsibility not only underscores Jamalco’s dedication to its partnership with Mile Gully High School, but also reflects positively on the company’s efforts to enhance its tainted reputation by giving back to the communities it serves. With Jackson and his team at the helm, Jamalco is taking proactive steps to improve its corporate citizenship and fulfil its obligations.

However, amid this goodwill gesture, questions linger in neighbouring communities such as Mount Oliphant, Manningsfield, Pratville, and others. Concerns have been raised regarding promises made by the company over two decades ago, particularly in Mount Oliphant where commitments reportedly remain unmet.

“Where I sit, I think the company does a very good job from a corporate social responsibility standpoint (CSR). In fact, we have engaged all the community counsellors. We have seven community counsellors and these cover a wide scope - all our mining areas or mining port and railroad areas, south Manchester, north Manchester, Clarendon - and so I am very satisfied that we are doing our part in being a very good corporate citizen,” noted Jackson, in reference to the activities currently at hand and how he views his new company.

The donation of computers to Mile Gully High School is welcomed by the school community. Acting principal Claudette Robinson-Shaw emphasised the importance of upholding the partnership between the company and the school. She stressed the need for Jamalco to honour its commitments and fulfil promises made to the community, citing previous instances where the company had supported the school during the COVID-19 pandemic with the same gift donation.

Fulfilling its obligations

In response to inquiries about the company’s obligations in south Manchester and the expansion of the conveyor system in Mount Oliphant, Jackson reiterated Jamalco’s commitment to meeting its responsibilities. While unable to provide specifics about past agreements, he assured that the company was fulfilling its obligations in the region.

“So, let me explain something to you. Firstly, whatever agreements we would have had when we did the expansion with the rope conveyor, I have visited south Manchester and I have seen a lot of the infrastructure that has been put in. I also know that we do a lot of support in terms of providing services for the community; however, I can’t speak specifically to any agreement between the community and the company at this point in time, I can assure you, though, that whatever the company’s obligations are in south Manchester, we are meeting those obligations,” said the new Jamalco managing director.

With the donation of computers to Mile Gully High School, Jamalco showed its support for education and community development.

editorial@gleanerjm.com