Opposition calls for parliamentary oversight of cement shortage
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Investment, Trade and Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton, is calling for urgent parliamentary oversight of the ongoing cement supply shortage, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to Jamaica’s post–Hurricane Melissa recovery and wider economic growth.
Hylton, in a press release on Tuesday, called for the matter to be brought before the Economy and Production Committee without delay, to facilitate full scrutiny of the causes of the shortage, assess the adequacy of the Government’s response and determine the measures required to secure Jamaica’s medium- to long-term cement supply.
Hylton said he has been engaging key industry stakeholders, including contractors, manufacturers, hardware operators and investors, who have raised concerns that the shortage is already disrupting construction timelines, undermining investor confidence, threatening jobs, and driving up costs across the sector.
“We cannot build back better if we cannot build at all,” Hylton stated. “Cement is a critical input for reconstruction, resilience and growth. A stop-gap reliance on imports is not a strategy; it is a temporary fix that does nothing to secure supply or protect Jamaican jobs over the long term.”
He added that the lessons of Hurricane Melissa must inform a more forward-looking approach.
“Hurricane Melissa has reminded us that Jamaica must be ready to rebuild quickly and effectively. That level of readiness requires planning now, not reactive measures later. Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that the necessary systems and supplies are in place to support national recovery and long-term development,” he said.
He maintained that Jamaica urgently requires a comprehensive strategy to guarantee a stable and reliable cement supply, particularly in light of post–Hurricane Melissa reconstruction needs, the national commitment to build back stronger and more resiliently and rising demand from major infrastructure, housing, tourism, manufacturing and climate resilience projects.
Carib Cement, the primary cement manufacturer in Jamaica, last week indicated that continued heavy rainfall has impacted its operations, creating challenges with raw material conditions and contributing to some equipment and process disruptions that temporarily affected production levels.
The company said some delays persist due to heightened demand and ongoing adverse weather, but assured that efforts were underway to restore optimal production.
