"No breach!" - Julian Robinson

The Government of Jamaica is seeking to refute reports that mining operations have been taking place in the protected Cockpit Country in the north western parish of Trelawny. 
 
Julian Robinson, State Minister in the mining ministry, told RJR News that, based on his checks, this is not the case.
   
The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) raised an alarm about the alleged mining activity on Monday, publicly asking the government to declare the boundaries of  the Cockpit Country, so that the area can be properly protected.

JET stated that, about a week ago, there were reports that mining was taking place in Stewart Town, which is within the boundary of  the Cockpit Country.
   
The main issue for JET is the difficulty in protecting a boundary that has not been declared.
  
Mr Robinson told RJR News that, immediately upon receiving news of the mining activity, he contacted the Commissioner of Mines and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, "and the information that I've received is that there has been no breach, in terms of where the mining has taken place, and that it still remains outside of the Cockpit Country."

He conceded, however, that "the issue may be around how some people perceive the boundaries of the Cockpit Country."

The Cockpit Country is one of Jamaica's most valuable rainforests, also rich in biodiversity, with rare plants and animals, holding significant promise for medicinal research.

Those seeking to protect this asset have consistently warned that if it is disturbed by mining activities, much of that biodiversity would be lost.