TTMA: Regional trade set back 10 years

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) yesterday broke its silence on the dispute between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados by expressing its hope for what it called a “speedy return to the spirit of Caricom.”

In a release yesterday, the association lamented how unfortunate it was that this “flying fish” dispute has led to the reinstitution of licences of goods from TT and other Caricom member states into Barbados. According to TTMA president Anthony Hosang, this licensing requirement would set trade in the region back more than ten years. He expressed his disappointment in the new requirements, saying that he was saddened by the threats to the future of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), which has been promoted by the TTMA and other regional private sector organisations as essential to the sustainability of the region in a globalised environment, in particular the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

However, Hosang noted that TT manufacturers have faced trade barriers before and, as in the past, would adhere to whatever rules or regulations that are established by the markets with which they trade. “Our manufacturers,” he said, “will remain committed to producing quality products at the best prices possible and supplying the demand of the Barbadian and other markets.” He maintained, however, that TT distributors, agents and customers in Barbados would now be faced with an additional bureaucracy burden which could result in costly delays to the importer. “We are hopeful that the cost will be minimal,” Hosang stated, “as the final burden of any cost falls upon the consumer, the citizen, hurting those who can least afford it.” “For the long term,” he continued, “the nations of the Caribbean need to stand together as one, or we risk losing identity, sustainability and advantage in an area where we are a collection of specks in the ocean.”

He stressed that Caricom trade should not be disrupted or used as a bargaining tool since only the people of the respective countries would suffer in the long run. Hosang urged the TT Government to embark on all negotiations in a cordial and diplomatic manner, without being intimidated by the threats and promises from any country. “The Government of TT,” he stated, “must always negotiate in the best interest of its citizens.”