Trinidad and Tobago is set to offer a temporary ferry service to facilitate the transportation of cargo among several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member nations. This initiative aims to help alleviate the rising cost of living, which has been impacted by fluctuating oil prices, particularly due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced this development during a news conference following the 51st regular CARICOM Summit held in St Lucia from July 5 to 8.
Prime Minister Mottley indicated that the ferry service would initially focus on the southern and eastern Caribbean regions. She emphasized the need to assess the necessary infrastructural arrangements at the ports, including the potential use of ramps for loading and unloading cargo. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has offered one of five ferries for this purpose, while the private sector is expected to secure its own vessel within the next year.
Discussions are planned between Prime Minister Mottley, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, and Prime Minister Godwin Friday of St Vincent and the Grenadines to determine the best utilization of the Trinidad vessel as a proof of concept during this transitional phase. Mottley also mentioned the intention to establish treaty arrangements for mutual recognition of licenses and insurance, which would facilitate the movement of cargo vehicles between member states. She expressed hope that these regulations could be implemented within three months.
CARICOM Chairman and St Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre noted that regional leaders have made significant progress in establishing the ferry service, which is expected to enhance travel, trade, and food security within the community. Additionally, Prime Minister Mottley highlighted that CARICOM leaders have been sharing strategies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel and food costs, including tax adjustments and increased welfare allowances. Guyana has taken measures such as removing excise tax on fuel and subsidizing utilities to maintain costs at 2020 levels.
Source: demerarawaves.com
