Jamaica took on a leading role in the International Bauxite Association, which was ratified by the House of Representatives. As one of the seven founding members, Jamaica served as the host country for the Association's secretariat, positioning the nation at the centre of global discussions and decisions on bauxite production and trade.

Published Thursday, June 27, 1974 

In the house…

IBA Agreement ratified

The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously ratified the agreement establishing the International Bauxite Association, comprising seven founding members — Guyana, Guinea, Jamaica, Australia, Surinam, Sierra Leone, and Yugoslavia.

Ratification came on a motion by the Hon. Allan Isaacs, Minister of Mining and Natural Resources, who opened the debate last week.

Yesterday, the Hon. Robert Lightbourne (Ind., West St. Thomas) and the Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, gave unqualified support to the establishment of the Association before formal approval was given by unanimous vote.
Jamaica will be the site of the secretariat of the new organization.
In other business yesterday, the House continued the Production Debate, the first of a series of sectoral debates following the main Budget presentation.The debate is scheduled to be completed today.

Attending the sitting were the Speaker, the Hon. Ripton Macpherson, Messrs. Keble Munn, David Coore, Winston Jones, Allan Isaacs, Howard Cooke, Dr. Kenneth McNeil, Mrs. Rose Leon, Messrs. P.J. Patterson, Eric Bell, Eli Matalon, Sydney Pagon, Elon Wilson, A.U. Bellafanti, Seymour Mullings, Desmond Leakey, John Stephenson, Anthony Capelton, Horace Clarke, Owen Sinclair, Dr. Upton Robotham.
Messrs. Hugh Shearer, Leopold Lynch, Edwin Allen, Lynden Newland, Cleve Lewis, Robert Lightbourne, Noel Silvera, Miss Enid Bennett, Dr. Percival Broderick, Messrs. Williams McLaren, Alva Ross, Walter Cheddesingh, Bruce Golding, Dr. Aston King, Messrs. Derrick Rochester, Robert Saunds, James Thompson, Francis Tulloch, Dallas Young.

The House adjourned at 7:10 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. today.