By Saskia Warrick, December 6, 2024
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called for stronger reciprocity within the CARICOM trade bloc to address longstanding barriers hindering the export of local products.
His remarks came during the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Awards Dinner, where local manufacturers raised concerns about these trade challenges.
Lesley Ramlall, the producer behind the “Only Coconuts” brand, shared that Trinidad and Tobago has consistently blocked the import of their coconut oil, despite the product being accepted in other CARICOM markets and beyond.
In response, Dr. Jagdeo stressed the importance of reciprocity, stating that if other countries do not offer free access to local products, then the same principle should apply in reverse.
Additionally, Vice President Jagdeo urged GMSA President Ramsay Ali and other stakeholders to bring such issues into the public domain, noting that phytosanitary restrictions are frequently misused as trade barriers that prevent fair regional commerce.
As calls for fair trade practices grow louder, Dr. Jagdeo assured that Guyana is prepared to act more assertively to ensure that all CARICOM members benefit equally from regional trade.