The House of Representatives in Jamaica has approved the withdrawal of USD 400 million from the Capital Development Fund (CDF) to support Phase 8 of the Bauxite Community Development Programme, which will run from 2025 to 2028. The Bauxite (Production Levy) (Capital Development Fund Withdrawal) Order, 2025, was approved on November 11, enabling the release of the funds.
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Speaking in the House, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, explained that the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), established in 1975, is the government agency responsible for oversight, planning and development of Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina sector.
She noted that the Bauxite Community Development Programme was launched in October 1996 with a clear mandate to support long-term, sustainable development in communities affected by bauxite mining and alumina processing.
Funds for this programme are allocated for creating employment opportunities as well as social and infrastructural development for these communities. Administration of the programme rests with the JBI, guided by a steering committee comprising representatives from both the Institute and the relevant portfolio ministry. Each programme phase typically spans two to three years.
Mrs Williams confirmed that the CDF, which is historically funded by the bauxite production levy, has sufficient resources to permit a USD 400 million withdrawal for the 2025/26 financial year. She added that, as of 31 July 2025, the JBI held USD 13.1 million for the programme following the completion of Phase 7.
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During the 2024-25 financial year, the Bauxite Community Development Programme carried out 23 projects across Manchester, St Ann, St Elizabeth, St Catherine, Clarendon and other bauxite-producing parishes, at a total cost of USD 110.4 million. A further five projects, costing USD 28.93 million, have been undertaken so far in the 2025-26 financial year.
Mrs Williams stated that an additional USD 400 million is essential for the JBI to deliver Phase 8, which will focus on strengthening livelihoods, improving community infrastructure and advancing broader socio-economic development across the bauxite-producing parishes.
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