As the bauxite mining debate continues with protests on opposing sides, parliamentary secretary, Senator Robert Morgan, says the government has to balance the objectives of protecting the environment with the livelihoods of the hundreds of citizens that depend on the industry.

Speaking on OPM Connect   this afternoon, Senator Morgan said the Jamaica Labour Party administration has shown that it is invested in protecting the environment, starting with the conservation of Goat Island and the ban on single use plastics.

Senator Morgan noted that there are contractual and other obligations to consider.

He further stated that the special mining license 173 which is being protested by environmentalists is not a guarantee to mine.

And the parliamentary secretary said the government has to be prudent about protecting the economic viability of the society.

Morgan said the government has to follow a process based on its contractual obligations.

He explained that the government is still undecided on the way forward, but will make an objective decision.