GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has expressed concern regarding the ongoing industrial action at the port of Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, saying it has severely disrupted regional trade and impacted businesses in Guyana.
Port of Port of Spain (File Photo)In a statement, the GMSA said that the industrial action over payment of 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 are incurring 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 basic necessities, as businesses are forced to navigate higher costs associated with supply chain disruptions,” the GMSA said.
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 have been protesting the payment of a 12 per cent 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,” PATT chairman, Lyle Alexander said in a statement.
The Industrial Court granted an interim ex parte injunction ending at least for now, the industrial action taken by the workers in support of the demands of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) for the payment of the wage increase.
The matter is expected to be heard on December 6, when the union will present its case, but SWWTU president general, Michael Annisette, criticised the PATT’s decision to seek the injunction, adding that the situation could have been resolved through dialogue rather than resorting to legal action
The GMSA said that Trinidad and Tobago plays a crucial role as a transshipment hub for the Caribbean, facilitating the movement of goods to Guyana and countries in the Caribbean, noting that prolonged disruptions at its ports are jeopardising regional supply chains, with dire implications for businesses and consumers alike.
The GMSA called on the Guyana government to work with its counterparts to urgently intervene and facilitate a resolution to the impasse.
It also urged the parties to the industrial dispute in Trinidad and Tobago to prioritise dialogue and collaboration with the aim of swiftly restoring operations.
“The GMSA implores the authorities to recognise 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,” the GMSA added.
