Trinidad and Tobago customs halts Guyanese dairy products and flavoured water

Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Trinidad and Tobago’s customs officials' decision to block a shipment of Guyanese dairy products and flavoured water from entering the twin-island state, labeling it “an affront to the spirit of Caribbean integration agenda.”

Concerns raised by Demerara Distillers Limited

Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo, expressed frustration over his company’s products facing obstacles in the Trinidad and Tobago market.

Four 20-foot shipping containers of packaged milk and flavoured bottled water, destined for a Trinidadian company, were detained at the port for testing due to safety concerns raised by officials.

Delays and frustrations at the port

The products, with a total value exceeding US$130,000, remain in customs custody.

DDL officials engaged with Trinidad and Tobago government representatives on May 13, where they were informed about a lengthy certification process mandated by the country’s Animal Disease and Importation Act 2020.

Challenges to intra-regional trade

Samaroo highlighted the arduous nature of the importation process, contrasting it with alleged laxity in reciprocal measures from Guyana.

He emphasized the need for a level playing field in regional trade, calling attention to the disparity in market access.

Calls for CARICOM attention

Asserting that the issue contradicts CARICOM’s aim of fostering fair trade among member states, Samaroo urged CARICOM to intervene.

He stressed the importance of equitable trade practices for regional manufacturers.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs stance

In alignment with Samaroo’s sentiments, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The treaty mandates the facilitation of regionally produced goods and services into the market, provided they meet sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.

Commitment to resolution

While investigations into the incident are ongoing, the Guyana Livestock Development Agency (GLDA) remains actively engaged with counterparts in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as relevant stakeholders, to resolve the matter.

The ministry reiterated its dedication to collaborating with regional partners to ensure equitable treatment of Guyanese exports.