Kingston Logistics Centre donates new classrooms to Caribbean Maritime Institute

Local-based logistics company, Kingston Logistics Centre (KLC), has donated three new classrooms to the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI). Valued at $20M, the classrooms were constructed using refurbished containers.

The classrooms were officially handed over to State Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing Richard Azan by KLC's general manager, Michael Cohen, during a brief ceremony held on Tuesday June 26, at the CMI's Palisadoes campus.

The collective size of the classrooms is 960 square feet. The classrooms are able to comfortably accommodate 80 students each and brings to a total of 16 classrooms at the institution for the over 1000 students enrolled.

The recycling process took over two months and included: installation of AC units, insulated panel boards (walls), roofing, acoustic ceiling and windows.

Describing the use of the containers for the new classrooms as cost-effective and efficient, Charles Johnston, director of KLC, said the classrooms were conducive to learning in Jamaica and are designed to provide natural ventilation. He added that the ceramic flooring adds to the durability of the classrooms.

Executive director of the CMI, Fritz Pinnock, thanked KLC for the additional capacity and noted that classrooms of this type are ideal as they are hurricane resistant. He described the roofing and panelling as superior, adding that he would recommend the concept to other schools.

KLC was established in 2006 out of a joint venture between Israeli entity ZIM Integrated Shipping Line and the Jamaican firm Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company as a regional shipping logistics hub for international business, offering a range of services.

In 2010, KLC diversified its services to incorporate container refurbishing as a value-added product. The concept of refurbishing containers in infrastructure development has been successfully used to develop, erect and provide housing, classroom and office solutions for a number of private and public-sector institutions and organisations across the island.

 
CAPTION: Cutting of the ribbon to mark the opening of classrooms at the Caribbean Maritime Institute (from left): Prof Hopeton Dunn (partially hidden), representative of the University of the West Indies; Dr Fritz Pinnock, executive director of CMI (in back); Michael Cohen, general manager, Kingston Logistics Center Ltd (KLC); Richard Azan, state minister, Water, Housing and Contsruction; Charles Johnston, director of KLC; Grace McLean, acting permanent secretary, Ministry of Education; and Owen Ellington, commissioner of police.