In an innovative blend of corporate philanthropy and product introduction, Kia Jamaica unveiled its all-new Tasman pickup through a humanitarian mission at King’s Primary & Infant School in Westmoreland on November 22, 2025. The initiative, part of the ‘Kia Cares Hurricane Melissa Relief’ program, brought together approximately 55 company volunteers who joined forces with Sandals Foundation, Wisynco Group’s M-POWA brand, and Team Rubicon USA to assist in post-hurricane recovery efforts.
The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa had left the educational institution severely damaged, with classrooms filled with debris that threatened to disrupt academic activities—particularly for grade six students preparing for critical Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. Serving 150 students from Longhill and surrounding communities, the school required immediate intervention to restore operational capacity.
Kia’s leadership team emphasized the strategic decision to replace a traditional vehicle launch with community service. Allamish Creightney, Sales Manager for Kingston, explained: ‘Instead of allocating resources to a conventional marketing event, we chose to demonstrate our commitment to Jamaican communities by directly supporting recovery efforts. The Tasman’s first public appearance was thus dedicated to transporting volunteers and supplies to the affected school.’
The Tasman pickup itself represents a significant milestone for the automaker—their first entry into the pickup truck market. Engineered with body-on-frame construction and a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine generating 210 horsepower, the vehicle boasts substantial towing (7,716 lbs) and payload (2,242 lbs) capabilities. Practical features include interior console tables, bed side storage, panoramic displays, and best-in-class rear seating space, with pricing starting at approximately $12 million Jamaican dollars.
Kelly Nunes, Project Manager at Sandals Foundation, which has maintained a long-term partnership with the school including computer lab development, expressed profound appreciation: ‘We are super appreciative of all their help today. This collaborative effort was essential for restoring educational continuity.’
Principal Marcia Tatham-Miller noted the significance of the intervention: ‘I am overwhelmed by the support. Thanks to this collective effort, we will be ready to accommodate our examination-bound students next week.’
Kia Jamaica has indicated that this event marks the beginning of ongoing relief initiatives, with additional corporate social responsibility projects planned throughout the coming months.