At least someone did something. This is how the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Curtis Williams feels about the first arrival of the shipment of goods on board the MV Emprendedora.
The only time the Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinnanan, commented on the matter was during Friday’s sitting in Parliament when he responded to a question from the Opposition. He has not responded to media requests on the matter and is currently occupied with a 3-day cabinet retreat. Williams explained that the charter for the Cabo Star, Bridgeman’s Services Group took the decision to engage the services of the MV Empredendora from Venezuluea to provide short-term relief.
Due to the Port Authority’s’ recent policy of only accepting 3-ton trucks carrying essential goods on passenger ferries over the past few weeks, another issue has emerged. Williams explained that empty trucks are now stranded at their delivery points.
According to Williams, the three-week disruption in cargo shipment between the islands has significantly raised the costs for business owners, while their income remains the same. To compound the situation, he asserted that there is no plan in place to assist the business community. He reiterated his call for the relevant government ministers to have a meeting with businesses.
