Alpha Institute Gets Laser Engraver from Petrocaribe Fund

The Alpha Institute is the beneficiary of a Laser Engraver, which was acquired through grant funding of $3.3 million from the PetroCaribe Development Fund.

It was officially handed over during a ceremony on the compound of the Alpha Boys’ School, 26 South Camp Road in Kingston, on November 22.

The Laser Engraver is a machine that can create designs on materials such as wood, metal and glass.

In his address, Chief Executive Officer of the PetroCaribe Development Fund (PCDF), Dr. Wesley Hughes, said the donation is in keeping with the mandate of the Fund to support the development of human capital and to focus on the most vulnerable in the society.

“We are assured that the beautiful and practical gift that we are donating will create pieces that will enhance the earning capacity of Alpha. I am happy to have made this donation, and we look forward to this piece of equipment positively impacting the lives of students,” Dr. Hughes said.

For his part, Development Officer, Sisters of Mercy, Charles Arumaiselvam, noted that the use of the old laser engraver earned the Alpha Institute some $1.96 million in 2016.

“This machine will be able to increase the income. A lot of the jobs we could not do with the older machine, we can do [now]. So, your contribution not only expands our business capaicty but enables us to do faster and much more efficient business,” Mr. Arumaiselvam said.

The PCDF established a grant facility to support projects that would directly improve the welfare of the most vulnerable members of the society.

PCDF is a Government of Jamaica body corporate that manages the proceeds of the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, and partners with public-sector entities in funding major infrastructure projects.

Registered with the Ministry of Education, Alpha Institute is operated by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, who are committed to helping young men in need of employment and skills training.