1 hour ago
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Shastri Boodan
The Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA) is warning that the planned closure of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) tyre inspection unit at the VMCOTT station in south Trinidad could create major setbacks in the industry.
TTADA president Visham Babwah told Guardian Media on Monday that the association was notified last week that inspections will now be conducted in-house at car dealerships and at the premises of private importers.
Babwah described the announcement as dismissive of TTADA’s concerns. “They did not want to tell us whether this decision came under instruction from the Ministry of Trade or if it was made solely by TTBS. They also refused to state how many staff members would be involved,” he said.
He questioned the feasibility of the new arrangement, saying, “Suppose their inspection vehicle breaks down—what will happen? At present, we already wait five days to have tires inspected on cars by TTBS. If this takes even longer, it will prove to be a recipe for disaster, with more bureaucracy to frustrate the system.”
Babwah said he spoke with Transport Minister Eli Zakour by phone on Monday and was advised to submit a letter requesting an urgent meeting.
When contacted, communications manager for the Ministry of Trade, Kirk Meighoo, said TTADA should forward its concerns to both the Ministry and the TTBS.
The tyre inspection unit at the VMCOTT station is scheduled to close on Friday.
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