The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) is echoing the call for local importers to clear shipments being stored at KFTL urgently. The situation at the port is grave and will impact local businesses as failure to clear shipments will result in continued backlogs at the port and the possibility of a shortage of goods.
The JMEA is cognizant of the challenges that are being encountered due to a myriad of issues including disruption to global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic which led to many businesses ramping up inventory. However, for normalcy to be restored and maintained at the ports, importers will have to explore other storage options for their containers and ensure that additional storage remains a consistent investment. Importers that are facing challenges are encouraged to work together to find solutions to get their containers off the port.
In working with KFTL to understand and address the issues, the JMEA toured the Port on Friday, December 9th during which we were informed of the progressive investments KFTL made such as additional scanners. New straddle carriers were also serviced and parts were installed. This resulted in all 15 straddle carriers being in full operation as of the first week of December. KFTL has also increased its labour to tackle the issues.
As Jamaica’s leading industry Association, serving as the voice of over 500 exporters, and manufacturers, we continue to implore all importers, including our members to do the right thing, and urgently move your goods. The Port is not a storage facility, its primary function to get goods in and out of the country is critical and should be maintained.
For more information:
Contact:
Shantole Thompson, Marketing & PR Manager; shantole@jmea.org; 876-582-9742
OR
Bobique Brown, PR Officer; bobique@jmea.org; 876-232-9701