Physical Infrastructure
The Infrastructure & Logistics Committee continues to focus on works with the relevant authorities to improve the situation at the nation’s ports. Focus was also placed on the Regulatory Bodies (TTBS, Chemistry, Food and Drugs, Plant and Quarantine) as well as the Customs and Excise Division to better improve their working conditions and operations.
The Committee’s objectives to be achieved until March 2008 were as follows:
- Handling members queries and concerns in terms of logistics
- Asycuda (includes Port Efficiency; Unified One Stop Shop)
- Ship turn around Time
- Issues of Road Infrastructure that affective members competitiveness
- Telecommunications
During the period
April 2007 to March 2008 under the Chairmanship of Vice President, Dr. Trevor Townsend the following was achieved:
Asycuda ++ - In August 2007, a Customs Steering Committee was formed to oversee the Implementation of the Asycuda ++ Project. The Committee is chaired by the Comptroller of Customs & Excise, Mr. Fitzroy John. The project Director named was the former Comptroller of Customs & Excise Mr. Leonard Watty.
The first meeting was held on January 22nd 2008 which mainly focused on informing persons about what the Asycuda ++ System was about; what it looks like; the requirements; its format and what equipment was actually needed for its success.
The second meeting informed members that the actual training had been completed for
90 shipping agents and their staff; one set of Custom Officers would be trained under Mr. Jaime Mendoza, representative for UNCTAD and a practical training session was due to begin with the Shipping Agents. This would include live transmissions of the Manifest. The 3rd quarter was the expected time frame given for the training of the manufacturer’s brokers and their in-house customs departments.
Mercantile Committee
This committee was instigated by the American Customs Department. It was agreed upon by both the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) that the President of each Association would host the meeting for six months each.
The Meetings had ceased and all efforts were made by the TTCIC to revitalize the Committee. This included a new mandate and new stakeholders. All efforts failed and the mantle was officially passed over to the TTMA to host the next six meetings.
Bunker Fuel
This matter was pursued with the former Minister of Trade and Industry, Kenneth Valley. The matter remains high on the TTMA’s agenda.
Caribbean Port and Shipping Charges
The TTMA continues to work closely with the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) to regulate charges in the various Caribbean islands. This information was tabled at the March 2008 meeting in Beliez.
Local Administrative Charges
Charges were increased by a group of shippers during the year. Both the Shipping Association and the group were approached requesting a waiver of the fee for the manufacturers - this was unsuccessful.
Membership
Arising from the 2007 survey, a list of members companies stated there interest in joining the committee. Invitation letters were also sent to the Regulatory Bodies (TTBS, Customs and Excise Division and Chemistry, Food and Drugs). The committee increased its membership by six.
New Port Location
The Association approach Government and the Port Management on the building and location of the new port. Some of the other areas of concern were Transhipment and the Master Plan.
Seminars
The Committee held 2 seminars for this period:
- “Sea, Land and Air Transportation” – Thursday, February 8th 2008
- "How Best to Save your Company $$$ on shipping, Port and Demurrage Charges?” – Wednesday, September 19th 2007
Rapid Rail
The TTMA under the direction of Dr Trevor Townsend compiled a position paper which expressed its concern regarding the procurement process and the planning of the system.
Regulatory Bodies
A meeting was held with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the delays by the Plant and Quarantine Division. The TTMA was represented by Mr. Harry Seeram on the Plant and Quarantine Committee.
Presently a draft Strategic National Plan of the National Agriculture, Health and Safety (NAHFS) was duly submitted for comments by the Minister.
Discussions were also held with TTMA members to discuss the Chemistry Food and Drug on their expectations and requirements of the Division.