Tag: bauxite mining

JET Presents “Red Dirt: A Multidisciplinary Review of the Bauxite-Alumina Industry in Jamaica”

January 8, 2021

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) will hold a virtual public forum to present the findings of RED DIRT: A Multidisciplinary Review of the Bauxite-Alumina industry in Jamaica. The study was conducted by eight experts in their respective fields and covers an in depth look at the costs and benefits of this important industry. The forum is … More JET Presents “Red Dirt: A Multidisciplinary Review of the Bauxite-Alumina Industry in Jamaica”

A Town Hall Meeting on Mining in the Cockpit Country: Let’s Have a Real Discussion Because It’s Not Over

December 20, 2020

The long-awaited public consultations on the Special Mining Lease 173 in Cockpit Country, held virtually on December 8, have been called many things over the past couple of weeks: Jamaica Environment Trust described the proceedings as a “sham.” I would say it made a mockery of what should have been a proper airing of the … More A Town Hall Meeting on Mining in the Cockpit Country: Let’s Have a Real Discussion Because It’s Not Over

Public Consultation on Proposed Bauxite Mining in Cockpit Country: December 8

November 23, 2020

With the controversy over the proposed limestone quarrying and other developments at Puerto Bueno Mountain rattling on, many have asked: “What about Cockpit Country? Is that all over and done with?” Well, as I noted recently on this blog, stakeholders and concerned citizens have expressed concern that proper public consultations would take place, bearing in … More Public Consultation on Proposed Bauxite Mining in Cockpit Country: December 8

Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

November 15, 2020

As concerns rise over the proposed limestone quarrying in Puerto Bueno Mountain (which now, it transpires, will also involve a commercial development and “eco-tourism”?) here is a petition on change.org opposing the ministerial decision to approve a permit. Prime Minister Andrew Holness signed off on this, and stoutly defended his decision in a speech in … More Protect Puerto Bueno Mountain Jamaica from Quarrying and Big Development: An Online Petition

Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

November 9, 2020

“In keeping with my recent advocacy on national and international platforms, I wish to focus on the fact that our natural heritage, including our biodiversity and ecosystems, are an important part of our material heritage. We readily understand the value of our natural heritage when we are complimented on the beauty of our island, our … More Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

Cockpit Country Stakeholders Call for Thorough EIA Consultation Process for Mining Permits

October 29, 2020

This press release from the Cockpit Country Stakeholders Group is not just about environmental issues. It is about transparency, proper consultation, and democracy. As we in Jamaica are living under restrictions during the COVID-19 era – notably, the limitations on gatherings – we cannot possibly attend in-person consultations (which have often lasted for hours in … More Cockpit Country Stakeholders Call for Thorough EIA Consultation Process for Mining Permits

Post-Zeta the Question is: How much longer will we continue neglecting our environment?

October 26, 2020

Tomorrow, or maybe the next day, we will start picking up the pieces. Tropical Storm Zeta has passed us by, but according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, is “interacting” with a tropical wave. Sort of a double whammy, created by an intermingling of systems. There is a flash flood warning, and the rains may … More Post-Zeta the Question is: How much longer will we continue neglecting our environment?

Online Film Festival to Highlight the Global Scourge of Extraction Industries

July 10, 2020

I remember, many years ago, being taken on a tour of the Bingham Canyon Mine (Kennecott) in Utah, the United States. It’s promoted as a tourist attraction. I was proudly told that this was the largest (deepest) open pit copper mine in the world. It resembled a vast moon crater, up close. Monstrous trucks moved … More Online Film Festival to Highlight the Global Scourge of Extraction Industries

What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?

October 5, 2019

Happy National Tree Planting Day! Many years ago, we moved into our house in what was then a relatively green, leafy area of uptown Kingston. Charles, who used to clean up our yard, insisted that we should cut down every single tree and bush. Otherwise, thieves and murderers would find places to hide behind them, … More What Is It About Trees That Jamaicans Don’t Like?