Paulwell pays tribute to Dr Keith Panton, torch bearer for Jamaica's bauxite industry

The life of the late Dr the Hon Keith Panton can best be described as an enduring journey into the development and expansion of the bauxite and alumina industry in Jamaica. Having earned his tertiary education abroad, he chose to return to his native land and spent most of his productive years in the industry at Alcan Jamaica Company, ensuring that as far as possible, the industry was exploited in a sustainable manner, while ensuring the Jamaicans were not mere beneficiaries of a thriving industry, but were active and productive participants in the process.

This was reflected in his preoccupation with human resources development but more so in his even handedness when he was faced with the challenges of balancing management objectives on one hand with the demands of organized labour on the other. This has been revealed in two of his major works, “The Bauxite/Alumina Industry in Jamaica’s Development” 1987; and “Innovation in Labour/Management Relations in the Bauxite and Alumina Industry of Jamaica; Alcan Jamaica: A Case Study” 1986.

As we seek to reposition the industry under less favourable conditions, the life and legacy of Dr Panton must serve as an invaluable guide. While we maximise the potential of this finite resource, we must facilitate its development in a sustainable manner and must balance the interest of the investor with welfare our country and its citizens.

Dr Panton, manager, ardent sportsman, economist and pastor has taught us that in this business we can truly proceed as partners for progress. This remains his lasting legacy to the bauxite and alumina industry in Jamaica.

On behalf of the Government, people of Jamaica and all stakeholders in the bauxite and alumina industry, I wish to convey sincere condolence to his bereaved wife, children and other relatives and loved ones.

May his soul rest in peace!