Thousands of bags of cement will be needed for the construction of the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium View photo »

The Ministry of Finance and Economy is presently in discussions with senior executives of Trinidad Cement Limited in order to bring a quick closure to the scarcity of cement on the local market.

Dr. the Hon. Errol Cort, Minister of Finance and Economy, under whose portfolio Industry and Commerce falls, made the disclosure while expressing concerns over the cement shortage. "The resolution of this matter is a priority of the government and I wish to assure stakeholders in the construction industry that every effort is being made to ensure that the sector continues to thrive without shortages in the supply of cement", said Dr. Cort.

Minister Cort further mentioned that Trade Coordinator, Ambassador Dr. Clarence Henry was mandated and met recently with Dr. Rollin Bertrand, Chief Executive Officer of the TCL Group in Trinidad to discuss the cement shortages.

He noted that TCL apologized for the hardships caused over the "past three months by their less than adequate supply of cement", but explained that certain difficulties arose from preparation for the final phase of installation of a new cement mill which is now complete.

In a letter to the Ministry, TCL according to Dr. Cort has committed itself to "returning immediately to normal exports to the region from (their plant in Trinidad) and expect to bring the region back to a state of steadiness by the end of January 2006".

A shipment of cement is expected on the island by 28th December 2005, which will assist in easing the present shortage. Additionally, TCL has committed itself to providing Antigua and Barbuda with a minimum each month of two vessels with cement as of January 2006.

TCL is the principal supplier of cement to CARICOM Member States. However, Antigua and Barbuda also receives supplies of cement from CARICEMENT of Venezuela on a regular basis.

The Baldwin Spencer administration broke the monopoly on cement in 2004 and reduced the duties, taxes and charges at the Port in an effort to keep the price of cement at EC$16.50 per bag and encourage the further growth of the construction sector.

Digital photo by Maurice F. Merchant