ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, says the reopening of the Alumina Partners of Jamaica (Alpart) bauxite facility in Nain, St Elizabeth, will create an economic boost for rural communities and the country.

“This is very good for the parish of St Elizabeth and many of the communities in close proximity,” said Shaw, whose North East Manchester constituents also benefit tremendously when the bauxite operations are in full swing.“This is also good for Jamaica and our economy. I am very happy for the workers and the fact that normality has been restored to a facility that has provided much-needed income for many local families over the years,” he added.Shaw, who toured the facility on Friday along with Transport and Mining Minister, Mike Henry, and other stakeholders, said he is very confident that the country and its new Chinese partners will enjoy a very fruitful relationship, and that the interest of the workers will always be top priority.”I am telling the workers exactly what I have been saying every opportunity I get, that the onus is also on them to ensure this is a successful operation all around and where everybody can benefit,” the minister said.“It is important that everyone give of their best… go the extra mile, if you can, and always remember what life was like when there was no Alpart,” he added.Shaw said with the reopening of the plant by the Chinese company, Jiuquan Iron and Steel (JISCO), there is also the possibility of the transfer of agricultural technology from China, particularly for the production of fruits.Henry, who has portfolio responsibility for the mining sector, also expressed pleasure at the reopening of the plant.“This is a situation I have been watching closely ever since I assumed responsibility for the sector,” he noted.“A lot of families over the years have relied on Alpart. I am happy today that we are now seeing the result of the efforts we have made to get operations back on track,” he said.For his part, Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr Wayne Henry, said that a lot of effort has gone into the reopening of the plant.“The long-term goal will be towards economic growth and the contribution to employment. We will be holding meetings here with the management to examine the plans for the short, medium and long terms,” he informed.Alpart was previously owned and operated by Russian alumina giant, UC Rusal.