Trade Disruptions in Trinidad and Tobago: A Concern for Guyana and the Caribbean
Port of Port of Spain
The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has expressed concern regarding the ongoing industrial action at the Port of Spain port in Trinidad and Tobago, saying it has severely disrupted regional trade and impacted businesses in Guyana.
**Industrial Action Causes Delays and Disruptions**
The industrial action over salary increases has been persisting for over two months, causing significant delays in the clearance of containers carrying raw materials and time-sensitive goods. As a result, manufacturers and businesses in Guyana incur substantial financial losses, particularly during this critical Christmas season when import volumes are significantly higher. These delays have also contributed to price increases for consumer goods, including necessities, as businesses are forced to navigate higher costs associated with supply chain disruptions.
**Port Authority’s Decision to Seek Injunction**
Last month, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) said it never wanted to “take this action” as the Industrial Court ordered port workers, who had been protesting the payment of a 12 percent wage hike agreed upon in 2015, back to their jobs. Prolonged disruptions at the port threaten businesses, with several Chambers of Commerce and enterprises voicing concerns about impacts on sales and operations.
**GMSA’s Concerns and Recommendations**
The GMSA is concerned that the industrial action is jeopardizing regional supply chains, with dire implications for businesses and consumers alike. The association has called on the Guyana government to work with its counterparts to intervene urgently and facilitate a resolution to the impasse. It also urges the parties to the industrial dispute in Trinidad and Tobago to prioritize dialogue and collaboration to swiftly restore operations.
**Conclusion**
The GMSA implores the authorities to recognize the broader regional impact of these disruptions and to take decisive steps toward restoring normalcy at the port of Port-of-Spain. A swift resolution is essential to safeguarding the economic interests of both Trinidad and Tobago and its trading partners across the Caribbean.
**FAQs**
* What is the nature of the industrial action at the Port of Spain port?
The industrial action is over salary increases, with port workers protesting the payment of a 12 percent wage hike agreed upon in 2015.
* What are the implications of the industrial action on regional trade?
The industrial action has severely disrupted regional trade, causing delays and disruptions in the clearance of containers carrying raw materials and time-sensitive goods. This has resulted in substantial financial losses for manufacturers and businesses in Guyana, particularly during the critical Christmas season.
* What is the role of the GMSA in addressing the industrial action?
The GMSA has expressed concern regarding the industrial action and has called on the Guyana government and other stakeholders to intervene urgently and facilitate a resolution to the impasse. The association has also urged the parties to the industrial dispute to prioritize dialogue and collaboration to swiftly restore operations.
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