Bars, restaurants hit by Carib deadlock

THE EDITOR: In the public interest you may publish this letter written to Mr Robert Guisseppi, President, National Union of Government and Federated Workers, and Mr Andrew Sabga, CEO, Carib Brewery Ltd. Dear Sirs, I write out of concern with regard to the present industrial dispute taking place at the Carib Brewery. I am a wholesaler who sells liquor and beers to several supermarkets, restaurants and snackettes in Arima. My information is that there are over 3,500 owners of bars and restaurants that operate under the liquor license ordinance in this country. These people depend on the stability of the industry to run their businesses and to support their family.

During my 40 years of business experience, this is the first time that I have seen a non-basic food item being in the demand by the public. We experienced shortages of rice, flour, and sugar in the past and it is disheartening to see these happenings with the shortage of Carib products including Malta, Ginseng etc. Unfortunately, people have to depend on an alcoholic beverage to make a living, but since it is legal to do so my concern is genuine and my conscience is clear. Our local and export markets are being seriously affected. I have heard of an incident where one person was threatened by the landlord to be evicted because rent cannot be paid for the last three months. Shortages in Carib products are causing sales to be drastically reduced. Some owners are forced to temporarily close their outlets, workers sent home and working hours limited. All restaurant and bar owners claim that the fall in sales is solely due to the shortage of Carib products in the country. They also complain that they are finding it very difficult to pay their domestic bills and properly meet their children’s school expenses.

As a concerned citizen I am appealing to both parties to try their very best to come up with a plan that would benefit all parties involved. My intention is not to blame or criticise anyone but to draw to their attention the effects that this dispute is having on the wider cross section of the community. The consequences of this dispute are very damaging to the economy of Trinidad and Tobago. Serious contemplation should be made by both parties for the workers to return to work with an amicable salary. Nevertheless, if there may be matters that cannot be solved immediately, then it should be decided by the courts. In closing, I pray that Almighty God will assist both parties in coming up with a mutually beneficial and speedy solution to the present deadlock.

BALLIRAM MAHARAJ
CEO — ADM