Marubeni Corporation, one of the JPS shareholders, has donated $1.3 million to the rebuilding of the Walker’s Place of Safety, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year. The fire which claimed the lives of two children and left 34 of the 36 wards displaced, is a tragic event which moved President & CEO, Marubeni Caribbean Power and Chairman of JPS, Mr. Seiji Kawamura to take action and to help the children of the home.

The JPS Chairman visited the site of the destroyed building along with JPS Board member Kengo Aoki after handing over the cheque.

During discussions which ensued at the Child Development Agency in Downtown, Kingston, Mr. Kawamura expressed his sorrow at the tragedy and his commitment to national development. “I was deeply saddened upon hearing the account of what happened at the home and I felt compelled to contribute in some way. Our commitment as investors is to help in nation building and improving the quality of life for Jamaicans, especially the children,” he added.

The Walker’s Place of Safety served as a transitional residence for children, providing food and shelter, along with access to educational services and health care. As a result of the fire, the children are being housed at several other locations in the corporate area. The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is presently coordinating the recovery efforts for the home and has plans to start rebuilding the facility this year.