Saving Cockpit Country Communities from Mining

Jamaica's Cockpit Country is the largest closed broad leaf forest in the Caribbean, and it accounts for 40% of Jamaica's underground fresh water resources, and is the watershed for 5 major rivers. It is also the location of 2 Maroon wars against the British colonizers. The Cockpit Country is home to over 1500 species, some of which are endemic to Jamaica, and even to the Cockpit.

Mining lobbyists have long eyed the rich bauxite deposits in the Cockpit Country. Finally in 2018, the Government of Jamaica issued a Special Mining License to NORANDA JAMAICA BAUXITE PARTNERS II (SML173) to mine up to 5.2m tonnes of bauxite per year for up to 25 years. The area contained in SML173 has been long considered by various experts, and all locals, as being Cockpit Country.

We are seeking to raise USD20,000 in the first instance to:
A) conduct legal research and engage lawyers to file injunctions against actions taken, and request judicial review of the process undertaken;

B) to conduct public education because the other side is miseducating the citizens and painting a narrative based on untruths; and

C) to mobilize for the public consultations which are required as a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment which is now underway. The public meetings will be in a few weeks.