JBM plan to develop industrial park welcomed by Shaw

Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, JBM a state company that holds bauxite assets, will be developing a commercial and industrial park in Lydford, St Ann.

Minister of Transport and Mining Audley Shaw said the project scheduled to begin later this year will provide operating space for outsourcing and manufacturing businesses, retail shops, and small and large warehouses.

“I’m very pleased about that, because it will create more jobs for the people in St Ann and adjoining areas,” Shaw said, adding that he welcomed Jamaica Bauxite’s “out of the box” approach.

“It is really outstanding and inspiring to see that although you’re still called the Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, you’re into other things; and that shows the need for creativity and diversification,” he said.

Jamaica Bauxite Mining holds 51 per cent equity on behalf of the Government of Jamaica in the bauxite operations of its current partners, New Day Aluminium (Jamaica) Limited, and holds over 30 properties, as well as equipment.

Shaw, who was recently assigned the portfolio of mining and transport during a Cabinet reshuffle, is currently familiarising himself with his new ministry, the agencies and organisations it oversees, and operators within the two sectors.

During a visit to the Lydford Mining Company in St Ann, which extracts and processes limestone, Shaw said the mineral held promise as an income earner for Jamaica and its trade is to be promoted.

“As you know, Jamaica has, probably, the largest area of limestone deposits in the entire region. So, it is something that we [the Government] have to look at as one of the alternatives going forward, even as we have seen some somewhat of a decline in the bauxite/alumina business. So limestone is definitely one of the areas that we have to promote, and do so more aggressively,” Shaw said.