Jamaica is sending a four-member delegation to Cuba on Thursday [11 May] to finalise arrangements for the shipment of 64,000t of cement in the wake of a protracted shortage on the island. 
 
Information and Development Minister Colin Campbell said the delegation would be led by the Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Development, Dennis Morrison and would include representatives of the Caribbean Cement Company (CCC).
 
"We have secured the logistical arrangements for the shipment of the bagged cement but not for the bulk cement, so when the delegation goes on Thursday, they will finaliSe the arrangement for the first shipment of bagged cement and it will be a shipment of 8000T," he said. 
 
He said the initial 8,000 tonnes was expected to arrive during the course of this month, while another 16,000 tonnes would come into the island between June and July. 
 
"Unfortunately we are having some difficulties in securing an appropriate boat for the shipment of the bulk quantities so I am hoping that on the arrival in Cuba and further to other discussions that they are to have, that those arrangements can be made and indeed, the full shipment, which will total 64,000 tonnes, can arrive in Jamaica," Campbell added.