Jamaicans need to be more informed - TT manufacturers association head

Nicholas Lok Jack, President of  the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), has reacted strongly to calls for Jamaicans to boycott goods from the twin-island republic.

Lok Jack told the Trinidad Express newspaper on Tuesday that Jamaicans should be more informed about the contribution Trinidadian firms make to their economy, rather than call for a boycott of Trinidadian goods.

He stated that Trinidadian firms employ 5,000 Jamaicans, and several more indirectly through distribution networks and other sub-industries.

Mr. Lok Jack added that Trinidadian companies have also been  supportive of  their Jamaican partners, taking a loss on debt-exchange programmes twice.

The TTMA President argued that an immigration issue such as the deportation of  13 Jamaicans from the twi-island n republic last Tuesday should not affect trade between the two CARICOM states. He's suggesting that diplomatic talks need to continue and CARICOM countries should list their immigrant/visitor policies clearly to reduce such incidents.

On Tuesday Winston Maragh, Trinidad & Tobago's Foreign Affairs Minister, said he welcomed a request from his Jamaican counterpart - Senator A.J Nicholson, to discuss the immigration situation and will try to organize a meeting as soon as possible.

Trade Minister also concerned                              

Vasant Bharath, Trinidad & Tobago's Trade Minister, has also been stirred into action, requesting a meeting with his country's Minister of National Security to get details on the circumstances which led to last week's deportation.

Mr Bharath is concerned about the potential falloff  in trade due to the threatened boycott of  Trinidadian goods by some Jamaicans.

The Trinidad Express newspaper reports that Mr Bharath wants the matter resolved quickly because of  Jamaica's huge import appetite for products from Trinidad. He is quoted as saying that the situation is volatile, and recent events can create further tension.

Bharath reportedly told the newspaper that he will speak urgently with Minister of  National Security Gary Griffith, under whose portfolio immigration matters fall, because he wants the full story.