Jamaica PM warns Alpart might close permanently

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) -- Jamaica's prime minister says a local bauxite and alumina producer might not reopen because of its owner's unstable financial status. United Company RUSAL is suspending operations at Alumina Partners of Jamaica because of a 60 percent drop in demand amid the global economic crisis. The company is laying off hundreds of workers. Prime Minister Bruce Golding says the government cannot afford another economic stimulus plan to help revive the industry. He said Tuesday that he will speak with officials at Norway-based Hydro next month. It is a minority shareholder in Alpart. Golding said he could not provide specifics about his plans. Jamaica is one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, the main ore used in aluminum.