Press Release from the Joint Chambers
The Joint Chambers calls on the Government of Trinidad & Tobago to urgently take whatever action necessary to immediately resolve the ongoing industrial action causing chaos at the Port of Port of Spain. The lack of affirmative action on this matter is leading to a national crisis, at a most inopportune time of the year when the volume of shipments is typically at its highest and makes it imperative that the port operates efficiently.
To reiterate, the extensive delays at the port are negatively affecting Port Revenue; Vessel By Passes; increased detention fees and haulage rates; delivery of raw materials for production; and the cost of production and of finished goods.
Ultimately, the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will be severely affected by the failure, thus far, to come to a timely resolution. Additionally, we have observed a trend of industrial action leading to port disruption on Wednesdays, the day immediately prior to re-stocking at the Port, which occurs on Thursdays and Fridays. This has the effect of exacerbating an already unsustainable situation that is crippling businesses of all sizes and delaying delivery of Christmas inventory.
Significant economic constraints – particularly, the growing challenges in the availability of Foreign Exchange – makes it imperative that we do not continue to compromise our national supply chain, as this inhibits our productive capacity and ultimately deters our ability to generate export revenue and impact the livelihoods of employees and their families.
We, the Joint Chambers, call for swift, decisive and comprehensive action to resolve this matter.
The Joint Chambers is comprised of:
AMCHAM Trinidad and Tobago
Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association