Imbert makes port pronouncement today
WORKS AND Transport Minister Colm Imbert will make a major announcement about the future of the Port-of-Spain Port at a special workshop to be held at the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago’s (PATT) Port-of-Spain headquarters from 9 to 10.30 am today. During the last month, operations at the Port-of-Spain Port have been hampered by numerous problems which have delayed local manufacturers in getting their goods off the port. TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA) president Paul Quesnel yesterday told Newsday that he was not certain what would be said at today’s workshop, but remained optimistic that it would be "good news." On Wednesday, Imbert tackled initiatives being undertaken by Government to address transport problems when he addressed a breakfast meeting on the Comprehensive National Transportation Study at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Government has been grappling with several issues to deal with improving the port’s efficiency. Chief among these issues are additional land space for the port and the port’s management structure. Former works and transport minister Franklin Khan had indicated that the Port-of-Spain Port would receive an additional 7.5 hectares of land at Invaders Bay to facilitate its expansion. Both the TTMA and the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) have been adamant on this point. Quesnel lamented that the port has not yet received those lands. Khan also said Government would consider proposals to expand the Port-of-Spain Port into the Sea Lots area. The former minister said private sector management was needed to ensure greater efficiency at the port. SWWTU president Michael Annisette has repeatedly said the union is supportive of greater efficiency at the port, but was opposed to anything that would be detrimental to its workers. Another issue expected to be addressed at today’s workshop is the separation of the PATT into the Port-of-Spain Infrastructure Company, Port-of-Spain Port and the TT Inter-Island Transportation Company. The latter company is geared towards dealing solely with the operations of the inter-island seabridge. Asked about the current state of operations at the port given the recent problems, Quesnel said things were going "fairly well" in terms of the flow of goods on and off the port.
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"Imbert makes port pronouncement today"