With a possible cement shortage looming owing to continued industrial action at the Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) Trinidad factory, the Ministry of Public Works is concerned about the possible impact on its projects, such as sea defence and road works, which would need cement to be completed.
Speaking to Stabroek News, Minister Roberson Benn said that though the ministry has not been in contact with the cement supplier, it is concerned and is monitoring the developments in Trinidad closely. The strike has been ongoing since early last week.
“We are concerned. We have to check on what would be the ramifications of the shortage. We don’t know how long the strike will last or [the volume of supplies available],” Benn said.
According to news reports, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has urged the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union to return to the bargaining table. The Chamber reportedly said in a statement that it did not support any threatened or real shutdown of any commercial activity in Trinidad, since it could cause more damage to the economy. The Chamber warned that the strike would further hamper an already flailing local construction sector, resulting in a loss of revenue and profits.
In a recent press release, TCL Guyana Incorporated (TGI) assured the public that it will be carefully managing its inventory over the next few days to avoid “a possible temporary interruption in supply” as a result of the Trinidad strike.
“While the company is low on stock, the TGI brand remains available at hardware outlets across the country and every effort is being made to capably manage distribution from the terminal to allow the longest possible supply throughout the different regions, which the company serves,” that release said.
According to the company, a shipment of 5,200 metric tonnes from TGI’s sister company, Caribbean Cement Company Limited, Jamaica is Guyana bound and will arrive at the cement terminal by tomorrow.
The company noted that this amount represents ten days of stock in Guyana. It would also be the beginning of a cycle, which will ensure regular shipments from Jamaica until the normal supply chain is resumed, the company said.
The release said too that Arawak Cement Company Limited, Barbados, another member of the TCL Group will also continue its supply of bagged cement to Guyana.
“TGI reiterates its commitment to supplying the market with only the highest quality cement manufactured under internationally acceptable standards. All the cement companies in the TCL Group meet and exceed the international standards for both Ordinary Portland cement and blended Portland-Pozzolan cement,” the company said.
