KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) on Wednesday, October 15, hosted a citrus plant distribution exercise at the Mocho Community Centre, where 1,000 citrus plants were given to residents of Mocho, Clarendon. This initiative forms part of phase one of the Institute’s Citrus Revitalization Programme, which focuses on increasing the supply of citrus greening–disease–tolerant varieties in key bauxite communities.

Speaking on the objectives of the programme, Kemoy Lindsay, Programme Manager for the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP), explained that Jamaica’s citrus supply is currently at a crisis point. “This has serious long-term implications for the country’s health, nutrition, and economy,” she noted. “The JBI’s Citrus Project supports the government’s ongoing response to this issue, especially within bauxite parishes. We remain committed to helping revive the industry while collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners to strengthen resilience against the Tristeza virus and other threats.”

Phase two of the programme is already being developed and includes an initial allocation of 10 acres of land in Manchester for new citrus cultivation. Selected small farmers will receive seedlings, fertilizer, and additional inputs to plant and maintain up to a half-acre of citrus crops, with all profits going directly to the farmers.

Land for the project will be sourced in two ways:

Bauxite Lands: The JBI will make available portions of its bauxite lands to establish a citrus orchard, beginning at the JBI Rose Hill Greenhouse cluster in Manchester.

Privately Owned Lands: Farmers with their own land will also be encouraged to participate. These participants will cover their own land preparation costs as part of their equity contribution.

In the long term, the JBI aims to reintroduce 20 to 30 acres of citrus across Manchester. The Institute is in ongoing discussions with the Citrus Growers Association, RADA, and other stakeholders to expand the project gradually over the next 5 to 10 years, ultimately benefiting more farmers and families within bauxite communities.

The Bauxite Community Development Programme, established in October 1996, provides special funding for communities impacted by bauxite and alumina operations. Managed by the JBI, the programme’s motto, “Life after Bauxite,” reflects its mission to reinvest industry earnings into sustainable, long-term community initiatives that improve the socio-economic well-being of residents.