Kingston, Jamaica – April 7, 2010 – Albert Einstein famously stated that ‘energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can only be transformed from one state to another’. It seems only fitting that an energy company, Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP), would be at the forefront of converting Jamaica’s negative use of energy in fiscal stagnation, staggering crime and social indiscipline into its more efficient and positive application in growth and nation building.

‘At JEP, we believe in engaging and strengthening the social and economic pillars of the society in which we operate,’ said Wayne McKenzie, General Manager & CEO, JEP. ‘Our community development policy is built on education and skills training, sports and cultural engagement, environmental awareness and charity donations,’ Mr. McKenzie continued.

Through its commitment to education and skills training, the company offers scholarships to secondary and tertiary level students based on academic performance and financial need. In order to encourage skill training and development, JEP has partnered with a number of local educational institutions including the Caribbean Maritime Institute, University of the West Indies, University of Technology and HEART Training Institute. Furthermore, JEP has adopted the Blackwood Garden Basic School in Old Harbour Bay, where it provides a yearly contribution of school supplies, monetary assistance and other resources while encouraging employees to donate their time to help both teachers and students. Additionally, as a board member of the Jamaica Society for the Blind, JEP reassures individuals with physical challenges that they can aggressively pursue and achieve their educational and career objectives.

As part of its mandate to develop sports locally, the company is a proud sponsor of the St. Catherine Cricket League, which provides players with the opportunity to showcase their talent both nationally and regionally. JEP is also the exclusive sponsor of Kendese Nangle, one of Jamaica’s most decorated youth swimmers.

In the area of cultural engagement, the organization is a member of the Jamaica Cultural Development Trust (JCDT) and is a strong supporter of the JCDT’s annual cultural and environmental fair ‘Misty Bliss’.

In light of its work within the energy industry, JEP is cognizant of the impact of its activities on its surroundings and the importance of raising environmental awareness. As a board member of the Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET), JEP is a strong proponent of the organization’s commitment to educate schools and the general public about environmental concerns and solutions. In addition to participating in the JET’s annual beach cleanup initiative, JEP also serves as one of the main sponsors of group’s Schools’ Environmental Competition, which allows schools to display their environmental projects and report measures taken to improve or protect their grounds and surrounding areas.

Through its pledge to give back to society, JEP allocates a budget for charitable donations and local causes. Each year, the company sponsors and participates in events hosted by the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Heart Foundation as well as supports the annual Sigma Corporate Run. Additionally, JEP has made numerous donations to hospitals, the local fire and police station, and community groups.

‘It is our aim and belief that a community, which is engaged cognitively, emotionally and physically, will not only foster good relations with the company but will form one of the tenets to build a stronger community in terms of personal reliance and improved infrastructure,’ concludes Mr. McKenzie. Through its development work and continued investment in nation building, JEP is looking to change the laws of physics: for all its actions there will be a positive and even greater reaction.

ABOUT JAMAICA ENERGY PARTNERS (JEP)
Established in 1995, JEP has grown to more than 120 employees and is currently the largest, independent energy operator in Jamaica. The company manages two key power barges, Dr. Bird I and Dr. Bird II, both based at Old Harbour Bay in St. Catherine. Through its continued commitment to providing premier energy services to the Jamaican people, JEP is currently constructing a new power plant in Kingston in order to increase its output and improve efficiency.

For more information about Jamaica Energy Partners, please visit www.jamenergy.com or call (876) 920 1746 – 9

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Melody Cammock,
Marketing Executive, Communication & Business Solutions Ltd. (CBS)
906-2266/ 906-9248, michelleroxannecunningham@gmail.com