The Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) handed over the revitalised Orange Park Community Centre in Lydford, St. Ann. Orange Park Community Centre is an active space for community engagement, learning and the creation of opportunities, particularly for young people..

The rehabilitated Orange Park Community Centre in Lydford, St. Ann, was officially reopened on Friday (August 21), following its handover to the community by the Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM).

The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the signing of an agreement between JBM and the Orange Park Community Committee, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

The rehabilitation forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communities associated with Jamaica’s mining sector and complements the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s focus on responsible mining, productive land use and ensuring that communities can benefit from development taking place around them.

The works addressed damage sustained during Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa and included substantial repairs and upgrades to restore the centre for community use.

Delivering remarks at the ceremony on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, Principal Director of Mining and Minerals Policy and Development at the Ministry, Dr. Oral Rainford, underscored the importance of ensuring that Jamaica’s natural resources contribute to the development of the country and its people.

“Development cannot happen only in boardrooms, and it cannot be reflected only in national statistics. People must be able to see it. They must be able to touch it. They must be able to use it,” Dr. Rainford said.

He noted that the rehabilitated centre represents an important piece of social infrastructure for Orange Park and the wider Lydford community, providing a space where residents can gather, share information, develop ideas and pursue opportunities.

Dr. Rainford also highlighted the productive repurposing of approximately 615 acres of former bauxite lands in Lydford through the Lydford Agro Park initiative being advanced by JBM in partnership with the Agro-Investment Corporation. The initiative supports structured agricultural land access, climate-smart farming opportunities and stronger agricultural value chains.

Dr. Rainford said the initiative reflects the value of aligning mining, agriculture and community development, while reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to the responsible management and productive use of Jamaica’s land and natural resources.

Community stalwarts Randall Hamilton, Matilda White and Eulatile Johnson were also recognised during the ceremony for their contribution to the community.

Residents were encouraged to take ownership of the rehabilitated facility and ensure that it remains an active space for community engagement, learning and the creation of opportunities, particularly for young people.

The Ministry continues to work with its agencies and partners to advance responsible mining, strengthen the productive use of lands associated with the sector and support initiatives that contribute to sustainable development in mining communities across Jamaica.

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