As the largest foreign investor in Cuba, Sherritt has committed to support its employees and communities in the areas we operate. Over the years, Sherritt has contributed funds and equipment to Cuba’s hospitals, schools and other public facilities. As Cuba is in a hurricane zone, Sherritt has a comprehensive plan to protect its employees and assets from hurricane damage, but also steps in to lend a hand to Cuban communities.

Sherritt’s ongoing contributions to infrastructure in Cuba have been formalized into a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program called the CSR-Cuba Program. With the support of Cuba’s Ministry of Basic Industry (MINBAS), the priorities for the program were established based on the input from the municipal and provincial governments. The CSR-CUBA Program now provides support for public infrastructure projects in Moa, Cardenas, Matanzas and Sante Cruz del Norte. The following are projects undertaken or supported by Sherritt that were recently completed or are ongoing in Cuba in such times of need.

Public Lighting

One of the most important and extensive developments undertaken by the CSR-Cuba Program is the installation of much needed public lighting in several Cuban cities. As part of a phased approach that began in 2006, Sherritt has provided the materials to construct or upgrade over 130 kilometres of streets and highways in Moa, Cardenas and Matanzas. This initiative will increase safety in the neighbourhoods, high-traffic areas and highways in and around these communities. For 2008 and beyond, Sherritt will support additional lighting projects and is looking to expand the projects into Santa Cruz del Norte, Boca de Jaruco, Fraile, Puerto Escondido and Boca de Canasi. The people of these communities, local industry and tourism will all be positively impacted by these investments in Cuba’s infrastructure.

Public Bus Service in Moa

Public transportation was identified by the municipal government in Moa as an important issue. A project to re-establish bus routes was undertaken and, in 2007, Sherritt donated a total of seven buses for this initiative. The new routes for these buses were inaugurated on December 26, 2007.

Senior’s Facility in Cardenas

The central old age home in Cardenas, built in 1910, is in need of repairs and refurbishment in order to continue to provide full service to the area’s senior citizens. This historic building has the capacity to house 180 residents and it also provides drop-in activities during the day for the local elderly. Rehabilitation of this important facility began in 2007 with the reconditioning of the kitchen and will continue throughout 2008 with the installation of a new roof, windows, doorways and the refurbishment of the water sanitation system.

Sewer System in Cardenas

A housing complex in the city, home to approximately 8,500 people, including some workers from Sherritt’s Oil and Gas operations, was in need of refurbishments to its aging sewer system. A number of upgrades were completed in 2007, including new pumps, pipelines and the construction of a larger pump house. Improvements to the pipes connecting the buildings to the system are scheduled for completion in 2008.

Oil & Gas College in Santa Cruz del Norte

The Politécnico del Petróleo Suárez Gayol is a new Oil & Gas College that has the capacity to educate and offer room and board to up to 600 students per year. In 2008, Sherritt will provide materials to rebuild the kitchen and upgrade the kitchen appliances.