THE way is clear for the Aroaima Bauxite Company (ABC) to supply Reynolds International Incorporated (RII) and Sherwin Alumina Plant with bauxite, following Alcoa's recent disengagement from ABC.

Head of the Privatisation Unit, Mr. Winston Brassinton told the news conference Friday hosted by Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar that all the necessary documents to effect Alcoa's disengagement from ABC have been filed in Barbados, where ABC's head office is located, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Alcoa's terms of release from Aroaima include the transfer of RII's 50% interest in ABC to National Commercial and Industrial Development Limited (NICIL), for US$1.

The Government also transferred its 50% interest in ABC to NICIL and is to discuss the contractor's equity participation in Aroaima's continued operations, the agency said.

Subsequent to Alcoa's announcement of disengagement, Brassington replaced the two RII directors.

"The new board of ABC has considered the new agreement and new amendment (for continued operations) for 2001", Brasssington noted and added that arrangements are under way for ABC to meet the mine contractors.

ABC will continue to be managed by RII/Alcoa until year end, but the Government and the NICIL board are working with management and RII to effect a smooth transition, he said.

Brassington also dismissed as inaccurate a statement recently appearing in a newspaper letters column which challenged Alcoa's terms of disengagement as conflicting with a statement previously issued by Prime Minister Sam Hinds.

Brassington was adamant in his response to what he called "unnecessary attacks" against the Prime Minister, who "always sought to keep the bauxite industry alive", GINA said.