WITH the ongoing industrial action at the Port of Port of Spain it must be noted that it is no longer just a labour dispute, it has escalated into a national crisis now.
With the Christmas season upon us, the port’s debilitated state is severely impacting businesses, consumers, and the our economy. This is a critical time when companies rely on their imports to stock their shelves, and as citizens prepare for the holidays, it’s a time for companies to make sales and try to turn a profit. Yet, the flow of goods has been significantly disrupted, leaving many businesses in jeopardy and households without essential supplies.
The inaction of the government in addressing this issue is not only alarming but also irresponsible. Another example of their failure to act. This situation emphasises a broader failure to prioritise economic stability and public welfare. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are being hit the hardest. Their survival often depends on this peak season, and the current disruptions threaten to push some of them into insolvency.
Further, the longer this crisis persists, the more it eats away at consumer confidence, leading to a ripple effect of reduced spending and slower economic growth. We need that right now like we need a heart attack.
Industrial action at the port does not occur often but it is not new, its timing during the busiest and most economically crucial season is to send a message to this PNM Administration that no one in this country is happy with their leadership and it amplifies the consequences we face daily.
The government’s apparent lack of action in resolving the dispute signals a troubling lack of concern about the economic hardships faced by citizens and businesses alike. If they had taken action and meet with all stakeholders, including labour unions and business representatives, I am sure they could have found a fair and sustainable resolution. This administration just doesn’t care.
Additionally, the government doesn’t have the foresight to implement contingency plans to minimise the impact of future disruptions. They are always slow to action and reactive rather than proactive. If they had looked at diversifying points of entry for goods or modernizing port operations to reduce weaknesses in the last ten years we would not be in this position. Immediate action is required to restore normalcy at the Port of Port of Spain.
This crisis is another reason we need a change in administration and leadership in this country. This government has run its course and has failed at every level to resolve our problems such as forex shortages, crime escalation and infrastructural issues. They are letting the Grinch steal our Christmas and our festive season, not only that, but it is leaving us with lasting problems in the economy. The government go now, take up your walking papers and exit, so that a better administration can enter to ensure that this essential lifeline of commerce is restored without further delay.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
Port of POS Industrial Action Now a National Crisis
AZP News Commentary
WITH the ongoing industrial action at the Port of Port of Spain it must be noted that it is no longer just a labour dispute, it has escalated into a national crisis now.
With the Christmas season upon us, the port’s debilitated state is severely impacting businesses, consumers, and the our economy. This is a critical time when companies rely on their imports to stock their shelves, and as citizens prepare for the holidays, it’s a time for companies to make sales and try to turn a profit. Yet, the flow of goods has been significantly disrupted, leaving many businesses in jeopardy and households without essential supplies.
The inaction of the government in addressing this issue is not only alarming but also irresponsible. Another example of their failure to act. This situation emphasises a broader failure to prioritise economic stability and public welfare. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are being hit the hardest. Their survival often depends on this peak season, and the current disruptions threaten to push some of them into insolvency.
Further, the longer this crisis persists, the more it eats away at consumer confidence, leading to a ripple effect of reduced spending and slower economic growth. We need that right now like we need a heart attack.
Industrial action at the port does not occur often but it is not new, its timing during the busiest and most economically crucial season is to send a message to this PNM Administration that no one in this country is happy with their leadership and it amplifies the consequences we face daily.
The government’s apparent lack of action in resolving the dispute signals a troubling lack of concern about the economic hardships faced by citizens and businesses alike. If they had taken action and meet with all stakeholders, including labour unions and business representatives, I am sure they could have found a fair and sustainable resolution. This administration just doesn’t care.
Additionally, the government doesn’t have the foresight to implement contingency plans to minimise the impact of future disruptions. They are always slow to action and reactive rather than proactive. If they had looked at diversifying points of entry for goods or modernizing port operations to reduce weaknesses in the last ten years we would not be in this position. Immediate action is required to restore normalcy at the Port of Port of Spain.
This crisis is another reason we need a change in administration and leadership in this country. This government has run its course and has failed at every level to resolve our problems such as forex shortages, crime escalation and infrastructural issues. They are letting the Grinch steal our Christmas and our festive season, not only that, but it is leaving us with lasting problems in the economy. The government go now, take up your walking papers and exit, so that a better administration can enter to ensure that this essential lifeline of commerce is restored without further delay.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited