Guyana May Impose Restrictions on CARICOM Countries
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was guest speaker at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Presentation Awards Dinner on Thursday night.
Guyana’s Concerns with CARICOM
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana has hinted at the possibility of imposing restrictions on Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries if they continue to impose barriers that hinder the export of Guyanese products within the 15-member regional integration grouping.
"It’s time for reciprocity in many areas. If you don’t take our stuff, we’re not going to allow free access to your products," Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Presentation Awards Dinner on Thursday night.
Concerns Raised by Local Manufacturer
His statement was made in response to a concern raised by Lesley Ramlall, a local manufacturer behind the ‘Only Coconuts’ brand. Ramlall told Jagdeo that the company could not export even a single bottle of coconut oil to Trinidad and Tobago, even as its products were being accepted in other CARICOM countries and further afield.
Phytosanitary Restrictions
In acknowledging the concern, Jagdeo noted it is a longstanding issue and that such matters must be raised in the public domain to pressure countries acting against the cooperative spirit of CARICOM. Speaking directly to GMSA President Ramsay Ali, Jagdeo said, “You have to raise it… raise the issues. That’s how we have to work. We’re not going to take this nonsense. They do this a lot. They use phytosanitary restrictions as a trade barrier.”
Phytosanitary restrictions are quarantine and biosecurity measures implemented by countries to help safeguard against the spread of pests or diseases that may be in agricultural products.
Industrial Dispute in Trinidad and Tobago
Meanwhile, Jagdeo has said the government is open to suggestions on helping the local private sector transport goods from ports in Trinidad and Tobago, where an industrial dispute has delayed shipments to Guyana. “We are open to ideas, working with the private sector to get their goods out of Trinidad and Tobago,” Jagdeo told his weekly news conference earlier Thursday.
Conclusion
Guyana is seeking to address the concerns of local manufacturers and exporters who are facing barriers in exporting their products to other CARICOM countries. The government is open to suggestions on how to improve the situation and is considering imposing restrictions on countries that continue to impose barriers on Guyanese products.
FAQs
Q: What are phytosanitary restrictions?
A: Phytosanitary restrictions are quarantine and biosecurity measures implemented by countries to help safeguard against the spread of pests or diseases that may be in agricultural products.
Q: Why is Guyana seeking to impose restrictions on CARICOM countries?
A: Guyana is seeking to address the concerns of local manufacturers and exporters who are facing barriers in exporting their products to other CARICOM countries.
Q: What is the industrial dispute in Trinidad and Tobago?
A: The industrial dispute in Trinidad and Tobago is a labor dispute between port workers and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, which has resulted in delays in the clearance of containers carrying raw materials and time-sensitive goods.
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