DOMA: Inefficiencies at PoS Port ‘reaching crisis point’

The Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) is warning that inefficiencies at the Port of Port of Spain and in Customs operations are reaching “a crisis point”.

In a release, DOMA said the Port is now listed by shipping lines as the slowest in the Caribbean, with vessels waiting up to two weeks beyond their scheduled docking dates.

Some shipping lines have started diverting cargo to Point Lisas to save time. But DOMA said Customs recently closed its Point Lisas office, forcing all document submissions to the San Fernando office—adding delays because of the distance and extra workload.

DOMA said it has been contacted by customs brokers, shipping agents, manufacturers, and importers, all frustrated by the worsening situation. It warned the delays could trigger a congestion surcharge on all cargo destined for Trinidad and Tobago, further driving up costs.

The group is calling on the government, port management, and staff to act now to reverse what it calls “a dangerous and damaging trend for the economy.”