by Linda Straker
- Main cement supplier in Trinidad and Tobago not exporting product
- Reduced business activities in T&T linked to containing and controlling spread of Covid-19
- In 2004, permission was sought to import cement from outside region
Grenada is seeking permission from the relevant Caricom body to allow the island to purchase cement from outside of the region because the main supplier in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) is not exporting product because of reduced business activities linked to containing and controlling the spread of Covid-19 in the neighboring territory.
The twin-island republic has been in a state of lockdown with limited movement for the past 12 months but the recent increase in Covid-19 positive cases had the country adopting new measures reducing not just the movement of its citizens, but business activity both the export and domestic markets.
Accelerating the implementation of construction projects, both in the public and private sector is part of the Government’s post Covid-19 plan because it will create welcomed employment in the construction and tourism sectors with positive spin-off effects in other sectors. The Recovery Plan was recently tabled in the Parliament.
However, in recent weeks Grenada began experiencing a severe shortage of cement and other construction supplies and Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell disclosed that the Government is seeking to deal with the shortage by importing from extra-regional markets.
“We still believe that construction is key to the recovery and any problem that we are having there must be corrected, that is why we sought and most likely received support from the regional institution to proceed and buy cement extra-regional,” he said.
“I did not mention the problem of materials for construction. We need to have more than one quarry and more than one asphalt plant which will give you further opportunity for supply in those areas,” he said during a special engagement with the media.
The Prime Minister did not reveal the names of the companies or organizations that are seeking to import the cement but indicated that several applications were submitted. In 2004, Grenada, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan also had to seek permission to import cement from outside the region.
Cement is not the only way to build a house. Lets convert to some other materials. We already know we cant keep cutting down the trees. We already know we cant keep damaging our coastline and BEAUTIFUL beaches. Ok so what can we replace cement with. It is available all over the internet and google. Grenada Lets let the finger do the talking. We must embrace the new technologies to stay afloat. We cant be a slave to Cement and Wood and the countries that can control it. Let go with the flow. There are alternatives to cement.
Cement making is probably the most energy intensive industries in the World. It is also highly polluting. Apart from this, it makes NO sense for a small island like Grenada to have such a factory. Products need to be sourced from the most efficient producers, wherever they may be.
Why arent we able to produce cement???
Why don’t you start a cement manufacturing business? Instead you sit in front of your computer pontificating over things you know nothing about. Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship.
It’s a logical question is not it? A cement quarry or quarries and we will not have to depend on Trinidad. Lockdown works
Look at that something simple as cement is making headlines as we are so dependent on outside supply of just about everything.
This is an opportunity for the government of Grenada to push to get one industry going in our country.
You know the saying a country that depends on another for more than 60% of it’s needs is weak and in danger of being taken over.
Again another pontif. We’re so busy trying our best to blame this government or that government that we forget the power is in our own hands to actually do something ourselves. Enterprising citizens make for a strong society. Citizens who don’t do anything other than wait for handouts will continue to do nothing then in turn, elect weak representatives who are just as weak as themselves. Tell me what part you are playing to build our society then I’ll take your “opinion” seriously. Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship.
So, Tired old soul, what are you doing? what part you are playing to build our society so that your “opinion “ maybe taken seriously?
I run two small businesses with 35 employees and a small charity.
I take advantage of grants when I can and dream of the day when I can do more.
But of course, this could all be a lie. Point I was trying to drive home is that I wish more of us would “pull we hand, so we could make this a better land”. Waiting for flawed governments to do everything for us is not a solution.