Grenada is reported to be seeking permission from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to be allowed to import cement from outside the region.
Grenada has been experiencing a shortage of the product since Trinidad and Tobago’s main supplier is not exporting the item because of reduced business activities, linked to containing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the neighbouring territory.
The twin Island Republic has been in a state of lockdown with limited movement for the past 12 months.
The Grenadian leader, Dr. Keith Mitchell, says his administration is seeking to deal with the shortage by importing from extra-regional markets.
Without revealing the names of the companies or organizations seeking to import the cement, Dr. Mitchell reiterated that construction is key to Grenada’s post covid recovery.
He indicated, though, that several applications for the importation were submitted.
In 2004, in the aftermath of hurricane Ivan, Grenada also had to seek permission to import cement from outside of the region, because of shortages.
