In Manchester, Jamaica, a leading local mining firm has turned its commitment to community development into tangible action for the next generation. Jamalco, a prominent regional mining operator, has recently handed over more than $2 million worth of specialized tools and machinery to upgrade the woodwork and electrical laboratories at Porus High School, a campus that serves dozens of communities across the company’s operating footprint.
In an official statement released this Monday, the company outlined that the new donation is designed to address a longstanding gap in the school’s technical training capacity. For years, Porus High offered dedicated coursework in woodwork and electrical trades, but insufficient equipment left instructors unable to deliver the hands-on practice required for students to master their craft and prepare for industry-recognized certification. With the new tools in place, the school will now be able to fully equip students working toward national and international credentials through the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) and City & Guilds examination frameworks.
At the formal handover ceremony, Jamalco’s General Manager Shanice Neisbeth-Castle delivered a motivating address to the assembled students, urging them to leverage this new opportunity to build intentional futures. “Every single time you step into the woodwork and electrical labs, visualise what you will look like 10 years from now and what you will achieve because you worked hard at developing this skill,” she told the crowd.
Moments after the ceremony concluded, Derrick Garnett, the school’s lead industrial techniques teacher, was already walking groups of curious students through the new woodwork equipment, pointing out specialized features that will allow them to take on more complex projects than ever before.
Christopher Buckmaster, Jamalco’s Director of Human Resources, Security and Corporate Services, explained that the lab upgrade is far more than a one-off donation: it is a core part of the company’s long-standing mission to empower young people through accessible, high-quality education. “Our contribution reflects our commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to transform their own lives and shape a better future,” Buckmaster shared. “Without access to the right tools, students are limited in developing the practical skills and technical knowledge required for further education and the workforce. This investment is about building capacity, expanding opportunities, and boosting students’ confidence in using these resources.”
Dr. Garth Anderson, chairman of Jamalco’s board of directors, emphasized the deep community ties behind the initiative, noting that a large share of Porus High’s student body hails from local communities directly surrounding the company’s operations, including Harmons, St Toolies, Rheeveswood, and a number of adjacent neighborhoods. “This donation represents Jamalco giving back to the communities it serves,” he said. “It is a meaningful contribution toward advancing technical skills and empowering our young people.”
Rhoda-Moy Crawford, State Minister for Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, served as the event’s keynote speaker, and praised the partnership between the private mining firm and the public secondary school. She highlighted that the investment comes at a critical moment for Jamaica’s push to expand skills-based training that drives national economic growth. “The strengthening of these laboratories comes at a time when there is increasing demand for skills-based training,” she said. “We value public-private partnerships like this, as they play a vital role in advancing both our students and our country.” Crawford also encouraged students to care for the new equipment and make the most of the expanded learning opportunities now available to them.
Audrey Blake, Vice Principal of Porus High School, echoed that sentiment, laying out the school’s long-standing challenge of under-resourcing technical programs. “While the school has dedicated classrooms for woodwork and electrical studies, they were previously under-equipped for effective practical instruction and examination readiness,” Blake explained in her overview of the project. “Jamalco was approached to assist, and they have delivered in a meaningful way. This equipment will support lifelong learning and skills development for our students for years to come.”