Residents anxiously await Kirkvine's reopening

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

THE CLOSURE of the West Indies Aluminium Company (Windalco) Kirkvine works in Manchester on March 31, 2010 brought sadness, despair and hopelessness. It affected many persons, from the employees and their families to persons dependent on them, directly or indirectly.

The news that the Government and UC-RUSAL are making final talks for the plant to be reopened has sparked a ray of sunlight for many, with hope of brighter days ahead.

The company had employed more than 1,000 workers at Kirkvine, which had created a big impact on the economy of Manchester. Small businesses from bars, shops, restaurants and others benefited from the pockets of its employees in a big way.

Prior to news of the plant reopening, driving through communities near the plant was a picture of gloom. However, that has changed, as there are now signs that things are about to happen.

Woodsie Gordon, who operates Gee's Bar across from the plant in Content, is anxiously anticipating the reopening.

"I used to do very good business when the plant was open. We all did good business," Gordon disclosed. "The (bauxite) workers supported most of the bars along this stretch," she told The Gleaner.

Loss of business

With the closure of the plant it was a different story for Gordon. As she explained, "I lost 80 per cent of the business that I usually do. I had to depend on good friends that came by. I have a daughter going to the University of Technology, it is her last year now, and a son going high school, so as a single mother it is rough for me. The feeling for me then was one of despair."

Gordon added: "I am the only one that remained open. Most of the other bars on this stretch closed down or had new persons taking over. Everyone waiting for the plant to be reopened. The sun is peeping out now, we soon get sunshine."

Difficult times

Everton Manning, an employee at the Texaco gas station in Williamsfield, worked at the plant for 20 years. Manning took the option of being made redundant prior to the closing of the plant.

He highlighted the difficulties that some former employees are facing. "It is affecting us bad. I for one owe some bills," he said. "Some persons didn't have a house, so they built one with their (redundancy) money. Money wasn't coming in, so the funds just went. There are others who were contract workers so they didn't get any pay-off. It got so difficult for me that I had to seek employment."

Leon McKenzie, who joined the management team of the gas station two months ago, has his sights on the plant reopening. "I am anticipating its reopening, I am looking forward to it and it is a part of our plan for the business," he said.

In anticipation of the reopening, McKenzie said they will be putting in a car wash, a service section and also a fast-food outlet on the complex.

Platinum Sports Bar, operated by Jacquelyn Hayles, is a popular 'watering hole' in Williamsfield. "I did very good business when the plant was opened, but after it closed business went down," she said. "The whole town was affected, from restaurant, bar, mini marts, in fact, all of Manchester was affected. I can't wait for it to reopen."

rural@gleanerjm.com