KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, says the Government’s cement supply strategy is helping to keep Jamaica’s construction sector on track despite recent challenges affecting supply and growing demand across the economy.

Making his contribution in the House of Representatives during debate on a private member’s motion brought by Opposition Spokesman on Industry and Investment, Anthony Hylton, Seiveright outlined a series of measures implemented by the Government to maintain market stability and support ongoing housing, infrastructure and reconstruction projects.

The minister stressed that the issue carries significant implications for the wider economy, noting that the construction sector remains one of Jamaica’s largest employers.

According to figures cited in Parliament, the sector employed between 131,200 and 146,700 individuals between January 2025 and January 2026, accounting for approximately nine to 10 per cent of total employment.

“While construction would be the sector most directly affected by a significant supply shock, spillover effects could also be felt in transportation and storage, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and real estate and business services,” Seiveright said.

He noted that Jamaica’s current cement supply framework is built on the Safety Net Principle, established under Cabinet Decision No. 11/13 in 2013 during Anthony Hylton’s tenure as minister of industry, investment and commerce.

According to Seiveright, the framework continues to provide the flexibility needed to respond to disruptions and periods of increased demand while preserving the long-term viability of domestic cement production.

The minister explained that recent supply pressures were linked to operational disruptions at Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), including equipment challenges and adverse weather conditions, as well as extensive warehousing damage suffered by Buying House Cement Limited (BHCL) following Hurricane Melissa.

In response, the ministry approved cement permits totalling 170,000 metric tonnes, including 100,000 metric tonnes for Caribbean Cement and 70,000 metric tonnes for Buying House Cement, in addition to approval for BHCL to utilise 6,848 metric tonnes carried over from a previous allocation.

Seiveright also advised Parliament that Cabinet subsequently approved additional allocations totalling 490,000 metric tonnes across six companies to further strengthen market supply and support continued growth in construction activity.

The minister noted that the ministry remains fully engaged with manufacturers, importers, distributors and construction stakeholders and continues to monitor supply and demand conditions across the market.

He added that the Consumer Affairs Commission is conducting ongoing surveillance of stock levels, product availability, supply challenges and pricing trends.

To further strengthen oversight, technical support has also been secured through an international development partner to improve the ministry’s predictive modelling and forecasting capabilities for critical commodities.

Seiveright also welcomed steps being taken to strengthen domestic storage capacity, noting that Caribbean Cement has committed to establishing approximately 12,000 square feet of warehousing space in Spanish Town and is exploring additional storage facilities in Mandeville.

The minister credited Portfolio Minister Senator Aubyn Hill for providing strategic direction throughout the ministry’s response and emphasised that engagement with industry stakeholders remains ongoing.

“Under the leadership of Minister Hill, the ministry has remained proactive in monitoring the market and taking the necessary steps to safeguard supply. Given the measures the ministry has instituted, we foresee no prolonged shortage of cement,” Seiveright said.

He added that the ministry will continue market surveillance throughout 2026 and stands ready to take whatever action is necessary to protect consumers, support the construction sector and ensure that Jamaica’s development agenda remains on track.