Govt stays out of new port trouble

On Wednesday, the TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and the San Juan Business Association (SJBA) slammed a decision by the hauliers to implement a $200 per hour port delay surcharge against local importers.

TTMA president Paul Quesnel said the hauliers’ action could lead to "excessive undocumented and unsubstantiated charges which will further reduce the competitiveness of the manufacturers of TT and further fuel the already rampant inflation and resultant cost of living." In agreeing with Quesnel about longstanding bureaucratic delays at the port due to the lack of coordination among the relevant agencies, SJBA president Gail Merhair also condemned the hauliers’ action and described the situation as "wholly unacceptable."

Contacted yesterday, Imbert told Newsday, " This is a matter between the importers and the trucking companies and I do not wish to get involved." The minister also indicated that he did not think it would be right for Government to intervene in what is essentially a commercial arrangement between two business entities.

However, Imbert said he would be willing to assist groups that were interested in becoming involved in commercial trucking.

Imbert said the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union has made a proposal to the Government about forming a trucking company, and he has asked them to fast track that proposal. Imbert suggested that what may ease the current situation is increasing the competition in local, commercial trucking services.

Last week, Imbert warned that Government could take legal action against the hauliers for attempting to impose an illegal tax against the Port Authority of TT (PATT) for delays they faced at the port in removing containers. The hauliers said they would not remove import containers from the port until the PATT paid them that surcharge. Imbert said the hauliers could not impose the surcharge on the PATT since they had no legal contract with PATT, and he would consult with Attorney General John Jeremie about the legal avenues open to the Government.

Discussions between the business community and hauliers over the weekend resulted in the hauliers resuming the removal of import containers from the PoS port.

TTHA general secretary Curtis Seepersad said hauliers have not stopped work at the port and remain open to meeting with the business community on the issue.

Imbert said he would hold regular discussions with the hauliers and work with them and other stakeholders to ensure that truck turnaround times at the port are reduced to one hour.