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Montague meets with Opposition to discuss UC Rusal matter

Published:Thursday | April 26, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague (right) and Opposition Spokesperson on Mining Phillip Paulwell (left) discuss matters relating to UC Rusal and Windalco following the United States government’s sanctions on Russian companies and individuals. Also at the table are (from second right) Dr Oral Rainford, principal director, mining/minerals; Parris Lyew-Ayee, executive director of Jamaica Bauxite Institute; and Christopher Cargill, chairman of PCJ.

Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague met with Opposition Spokesman on Mining Philip Paulwell to discuss the UC Rusal/Windalco matter as it pertains to its operations in Jamaica, as a result of the United States government's sanctions on Russian companies and individuals.

Montague outlined the efforts of the Ministry of Transport and Mining as the Government moves proactively to safeguard the welfare of the approximately 1,200 workers at Windalco and their dependents.

The mining minister updated Paulwell on the progress with respect to consultations done, which included UC Rusal, the attorney general, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The Government continues to assure the general public that it will do all it can to protect the jobs of the workers, as well as the milk and beef supplies from the farming operations of Windalco.