Noranda makes landownership a reality for many
Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners presented over 100 titles to employees and former owners of bauxite lands who now have a share in the 300- acre property at Minard Estate in Brown’s Town, St Ann.
Employees and past employees of Noranda who received titles were able to do so under the company’s home-loan policy. These persons were chosen on a point basis determined by their years of employment, whether or not they had owned land or house previously, if they lived within a 30-mile radius of the company’s operation area, and if children were a part of their household.
Noranda’s General Manager Antoine Liddell, who presented the titles to the employees and vendors (former owners of lands purchased for mining), said it was an historic occasion that had given great satisfaction to the company.
The handing over of the titles, he said, is part of an accelerated programme involving the company working with the union and the relevant government agencies to help to secure lands for stakeholders.
President of the University and Allied Workers Union Lambert Brown commended the company and his organisation for working together to create the housing opportunities for the employees.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over the first 30 titles to employees who have qualified for entitlement under Phase 1 of the worker housing programme, Brown described the event as “the crowning achievement of my career”.
Meanwhile, both the residents resettled by the company and employees who acquired property were happy to receive their titles.
Mavis Jarrett, one of the recipients, expressed joy that she and fellow residents have finally received their titles.
“I am grateful for it because the people have been waiting for some time,” she said, adding that having the titles have helped to make the residents feel more empowered.
Employee Eton Clarke was also happy to have received his title.
“Feel good man. It was a great achievement man. It’s the first title I ever hold for myself. I hold other titles but it’s the first one for myself. I feel happy about it,” he said.
