Mr. Speaker, the matter of the U.S. sanctions on UC Rusal continues to be a major priority for this Government. Allow me to remind this honourable house of the matter at hand.
On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added, amongst others, seven Russian oligarchs and twelve companies they own or control, to its Designated Nationals List (the OFAC Sanctions).
As a result of being named, all assets of seven persons and entities that are within US jurisdiction have been frozen, and US persons are prohibited from dealings with them.
Additionally, non-US persons could face secondary sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for, or on behalf of the individuals or entities sanctioned.
While the U.S. tresuary Department recently announced a delay in the application of the sanctions, it is yet to provide a full brief on the extent to which UC Rusal has complied.
The threat to the WINDALCO Ewarton Operation therefore remains.
This Government remains committed to applying our best efforts to protect the interest of the community and the country. We particularly want to protect the workers, the environment and revenue to Jamaica.
Update on GOJ Actions Towards Sanctions on UC Rusal by the U.S. Page 3 Of 4 We endeavour to save the jobs of approximately 1,200 workers at WINDALCO and the livelihood of a further 10,000 dependents, contractors, residents and business persons in communities neighbouring the alumina plant and related facilities. The securing of the Red Mud Lake is also a major priority.