ST ANN, Jamaica – Shadow minister on mining and energy, Senator Robert Montague, said that while he is alarmed, it is not surprising that there has been a cancellation of the public update on the allegations of mining in the protected Cockpit Country.

In a press release Sunday, Montague opined that once again the “uncaring” Government is showing its “arrogance and disregard” for the citizens of Jamaica. 

“The protected area, produces 40 per cent of Jamaica water supplies and is home to many protected species of plants, an update on the allegations, after an official visit is the least the Government can do,” he contended.

He believes that there is a lack of transparency, stating that “the accused entity is majority-owned by the Government; we will not nor cannot accept nor tolerate any hint of a cover-up. This matter must be dealt with quickly and openly”.

Montague said: “This is against the background of a firm and full commitment by the Government to settle the boundaries of the Cockpit Country which prohibits mining and not to allow mining within the Cockpit Country, within these boundaries.”

Although Land, Environment and Water Minister Robert Pickersgill has suggested he would not support mining in the Cockpit country, the Mining Ministry is still not clear on the issue, Montague argued.

“We therefore call on the Government to immediately update the country on the allegations… and to immediately set clear boundaries of the Cockpit Country, where mining is not permitted,” Montague insisted.

Senator Montague was speaking at a concerned citizens’ meeting in Watts Town, south west, St Ann.