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April 1, 2009
Jamalco Security Team Supports School Cadet Programme
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Plans have been approved by the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) for the establishment of a Second Engineer Squadron of its Support and Services Battalion at the Vere Technical High School, Clarendon. The plan is to establish a Cadet Engineering Unit and the project is being led by Commanding Officer of the Support and Services Battalion and Jamalco’s Security Chief, Lt. Commander Roger Powell.
The plans got off the ground last Saturday (March 14) when Commander Powell and a team of eleven volunteers from Jamalco’s Security Department painted and refurbished a 40’x 8’ containerized office donated to the school by Jamalco, to be used as an office for the new squadron. The voluntary effort will receive an Alcoa Foundation ACTION (Alcoans Coming Together In Our Communities) grant of US$3,000.00 to support the establishment of the Second Squadron.
Commander Powell explained that the establishment of the Second Squadron will allow for the expansion of the existing Cadet element at Vere Technical. The current Infantry Unit will be joined by an Engineering Unit divided into Technical, Artisan and Support Troops. The Engineering Unit will give Cadets the opportunity to learn practical skills such as welding and fabrication, masonry, plumbing and carpentry which the will in turn use to provide voluntary community works. The JCCF plans to offer skills training in collaboration with the HEART Trust/NTA.
The Jamalco Security Chief noted that there will also be a strong focus on community service as Cadets will use their skills to assist community members and institutions and will be called on to provide support during natural disasters.
He revealed that “we initially plan to train 30 students, some of whom are engaged in a Mentorship Programme introduced and managed by Jamalco. The training and exposure will help the mentees and other Cadets to develop values of discipline, honesty, integrity, loyalty among others.†The Second Squadron plans to establish Cadet troops in at least two other Clarendon schools.
Jamalco also donated a micro-wave oven, office refrigerator, desks, chairs and filing cabinets for use in the container which will also temporarily house the office of the Dean of Discipline of the school. Other donors to the project were Jamalco contractors Cousins Construction Services, Power Services and FC Reynolds who delivered and assembled the container.
The Alcoa Foundation seeks to identify non-profit organizations such as the JCCF for ACTION grants across Alcoa locations, including Jamaica. A minimum of ten Jamalco volunteers must contribute at least four hours each to the identified project.
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