KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP) is marking three decades of investment in Jamaica’s mining communities as it enters its eighth phase in 2026, continuing efforts to strengthen economic opportunities and community development across several parishes.

Since its establishment in 1996, the programme,  managed by theJamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), has reinvested earnings from the island’s bauxite and alumina industry into communities impacted by mining operations. Over the past 30 years, the initiative has completed seven phases and invested close to $1 billion in projects across Manchester, St Ann, St Catherine, St Elizabeth and Clarendon, benefiting nearly 100 communities.

The programme focuses on supporting sustainable income and employment initiatives while also improving social and physical infrastructure in rural areas connected to the industry. Investments have prioritised areas such as agriculture, infrastructure upgrades, community development, skills training, social enterprise and support for community-based organisations.

Phase VII of the programme ran from September 2020 to August 2024 following a $300 million drawdown from the Capital Development Fund.

During that period, approximately $220 million was spent across the five bauxite parishes, including $102 million for agricultural development, $80 million for community infrastructure, $35 million for scholarships and related contributions, and $3 million for training and small enterprise support.

Phase VIII is now underway after the programme received $400 million in funding in December 2025.

As it enters its eighth phase, the BCDP says it remains focused on strengthening livelihoods, supporting rural development and building resilient communities across Jamaica’s bauxite-producing regions.