( Trinidad Guardian)..Two business chambers say the Government’s plan to involve the private sector in the proposed intra-regional ferry service could result in a sustainable operation that will benefit several industries across T&T.
At a media conference at the Piarco International Airport on his return from Guyana on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said there are plans to involve the private sector in the ferry service“in a big way”and the Government’s role is to create an enabling environment.
Responding to the news, Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce (CPLCC) president Mukesh Ramsingh said the entire business community would welcome the move as it would increase trade between the countries.
“I believe the private sector would be able to run it and manage it properly as a proper business and based on what we see taking place in Trinidad right now, we need more private influence in State-owned companies,” he said.
Ramsingh added that the State should move away from certain companies and let the private sector take over. He suggested privatising electricity and water distribution and pointed out that private internet and cable providers sometimes provide better service than State-owned companies. He said Petrotrin should have been privatised instead of closed down.
“Those are just examples whereby you do not want a State-owned company constantly being a burden on the State, and the State has to keep using taxpayers’ money to keep a particular company alive when that money could go to better use,” he said.
Ramsingh said CPLCC would like to see the fair acquisition of licences for the ferry service so that certain companies do not get preferential treatment. He also advised that it would be in the best interest of the business community to operate the ferry service and prevent State influence that could make it susceptible to corruption.
He said it that might cost more to customers as the government might not subsidise it but as an incentive, the Government could give a tax break and ease the bureaucracy to whoever gets involved so they can build the service to a sustainable level.
“I think there may be companies that can do it. Sometimes in business, you need to start small and get bigger, but I believe there are people in the business world that can do it for Trinidad and possibly Guyana.”
Greater San Fernando Area Chamber (GSFCC) of Commerce president Kiran Singh said private sector involvement would ensure an efficient service and with the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment poised to become a première attraction, the ferry service could increase the number of tourists visiting the city, boosting the tourism and retail sectors.
Singh said the GSFCC supports boosting intraregional trade within the six geographically close countries as it would enhance trade for SMMEs since the ships can move pallets of goods. It could also increase foreign exchange.
Furthermore, he believes the service will also grow export opportunities in the food and beverage sector, clothing and accessories and labour exchange, especially with Caricom agreements.
He said the private sector might require some support from the Government in the initial stages.
“This is a multimillion-dollar initiative. We have a strong conglomerate presence in Trinidad. In Guyana, the sector is growing. We will need some input from the Government to initialise the service, certainly within the short-term,” he said.