Minister takes first hand look at local industries

Industry Minister Dr. Jerrol Thompson believes that most of this country’s industries should be able to compete viably with others around the region, with a little help and guidance.{{more}}

The Minister revealed this as he toured some of the factories situated at the Campden Park Industrial Estate on Tuesday, October 23.

Armed with Bureau of Standards boss Ezra Ledger, Senior Economist in the Ministry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry Ellison Clarke, and other members of the Ministry’s industry department by his side, Thompson met with managers of some new and some long standing businesses at the estate, located about 20 miles south west of capital Kingstown.

These businesses included Bottlers St. Vincent Limited, The Edge, SkR Beverages, St. Vincent Packaging, Allan’s Bakery and East Caribbean Metals and East Caribbean Glass.



Thompson said that the team’s visits were part of a mission to hear concerns of the businesses, and ascertain ways that his Ministry might be able to assist.

“We know that globalization is producing open markets, reduced tariffs and import duties and restrictions. Local companies are obviously facing greater competition, and we are on a quest to see how ready they are for competition, and how we can assist them.”

The Minister indicated that some companies have been granted fiscal incentives, but the Ministry is not there to protect them.

He said that they were given hand ups, because they show the potential of being stronger and regionally competitive.

According to the Minister, a number of managers had raised concerns over the rising cost of energy and the customs situation.

The Minister claimed that the newly introduced Asycuda + + system will alleviate some of the customs concerns; once some little ‘bugs’ are taken care of, and where the energy is concerned, he encouraged manufacturers to conserve or do as in the case of St. Vincent Packaging, produce their own energy.

Another measure that would make things easier for companies according to the Minister is the ‘fast ferry’ service, which is soon to come on stream.

Wherever necessary, the Minister said that other ministries will become involved in the exercise, which he said is part of an annual ongoing affair.

“The Ministry of Trade is normally with us, so is the Ministry of Housing, and the Ministry of Agriculture in the case of SKR , who are into agro-processing. We have to increase the production of the fruits that they would be using for their beverages.”

The Minister went on to state that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in the process of locating new factory space, as the Campden Park Industrial site is currently full.

Thompson said that the new area, when located, is intended for persons wishing to invest in new industries, or expand their existing companies.