Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Persons Encouraged to Invest in Limestone Mining
#Kingston, 24 December, 2019 – Jamaica – Principal Director, Minerals Policy Planning and Development Division in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, Dr. Oral Rainford, is encouraging persons to invest in limestone mining.
In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Rainford explained that the Ministry is intent on educating the public about how increasing limestone mining would redound to the country’s benefit.
“I don’t think enough is known about the extent to which limestone’s contribution has been expanding, especially as we seek to diversify the economy and bridge that particular segment of the mining sector,” he said.
“The limestone that we have is wide-ranging in terms of uses. The purity ranges from material that we use for road construction to pharmaceutical grade products, which are used in antacids, calcium tablets, tablet fillers and various other supplements,” the Principal Director said. He added that limestone is also a diffused mineral, as it is used in small quantities in many areas, such as paper, cosmetics and soap.
“We have decided to push this particular mineral, primarily because Jamaica has a huge quantity of limestone which has a significant variability in quality. The quality is exceptionally good at both the higher level and the lower level in terms of its utilities,” Dr. Rainford said. He outlined the steps that need to be taken for persons to enter the mining industry, pointing out that an application should be made to the Government through the Mines and Geology Department of the Ministry of Transport and Mining and that the application is then sent to the Minister for a quarry licence to be granted, if the entity is seeking to mine quarry materials (for construction purposes).
Dr, Rainford said if persons plan to mine high-purity limestone, they would then apply for a mining lease because high-purity limestone is defined as a mineral, which would require a different approach.
“There are two different regimes which govern the mining or exploitation of limestone in our country,” he explained, adding that once the application for a lease is done, the applicant would need to ensure that he or she has a quarry plan or a mine development plan, which would include a business plan, and show how the mining or quarrying would progress to ensure sustainability and adherence to high environmental standards.
The Principal Director informed that the minerals sector impacts many other segments of the economy.
“Without mining we would not have roads or buildings. It, therefore, means that the equipment that is needed has to be in place and operating efficiently,” he said.
Contact: Peta-Gay Hodges
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Limestone mining in progress in Clarendon
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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