The Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) has entered into an agreement to use its railway infrastructure for the commercial movement of industrial minerals and aggregates with Mineral Agency for Retail and Logistics (MARL).

The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Transport and Mining yesterday (March 28) allows for the transportation of minerals throughout the country, while also offering a reliable and efficient transportation solution for businesses. The duration of the contract will be for a period of 15 years with an estimated value of of J$33 million for the first year.

The Transportation Agreement with MARL will also provide for the transportation of aggregate from Old Harbour to Linstead in St Catherine and, on the return journey to transport marl from Bog Walk to Port Esquivel to be shipped abroad to other Caribbean islands. This railway line will help alleviate congestion on the roads and reduce transportation costs, benefiting both the industry and the environment to facilitate the movement of heavy cargo.

MORE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION

“This project is a significant milestone for the JRC as it represents the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to providing efficient and sustainable infrastructure solutions,” said Donald Hanson, general manager, Jamaica Railway Corporation.

“We are delighted to partner with MARL to pursue this critical project, which not only see the utilisation of railway infrastructure, but will enhance the industrial minerals and aggregates industry.”

Audley Shaw, minister of transport and mining, noted that “this agreement allows the Government to offer a more comprehensive transportation solution, while also supporting the growth and development of the railway industry”.

Added Shaw: “It shows that the Jamaica Railway Corporation is open for business and ready for investments”.

He further noted that this initiative forms part of the Government’s efforts to revitalise rail services in Jamaica.

Rockey Wood, CEO of MARL, added: “This agreement was crafted to provide full benefits for our country. Our combined teams contribute significant expertise and experience that will allow the growth and development of the national rail service, commencing with the transportation of industrial minerals and bulk cargo, then ultimately to freight.”

In the meantime, Ryan Parkes, chairman of the JRC, indicated that the signing of the agreement signals that the JRC is indeed open for business. He further stated that the re-introduction of the freight train service represents the genesis of several other rail services to come on stream in the not-too-distant future.

ENSURING SAFETY OF ALL WORKERS

“The JRC is at an interesting and exciting phase in its 63-year history and remains focused on playing a meaningful role as part of the transportation eco-system in Jamaica,” said Parkes.

The Jamaica Railway Corporation and MARL are committed to ensuring the safety of all workers involved in the project and will adhere to all relevant safety regulations.

The Jamaica Railway Corporation, an agency of the Ministry of Transport and Mining, manages and operate railway (thereby transferred to it), and any expansion or extension of it, or any new railway. The Corporation also provides all reasonable facilities for carriage of passengers and goods.