Samuda puts levy on imported cement

The Government of Jamaica has imposed a licence on imported cement.

Industry and Commerce Minister Karl Samuda last night told The Gleaner that the move became necessary after the Dominican Republic failed to adhere to an ultimatum he issued on Friday.

The ultimatum issued by the minister ended yesterday with Samuda making good on his threat to take drastic action ifthe Dominican Republic continues to block the sale of locally produced cement in that country.

Last night, Samuda vowed that he would not retreat in the face of the approach taken by the government of the Dominican Republic.

vow to protect

"We may be a small economy, but we are a sovereign state, and as long as I am given the portfolio, every effort is going to be made to ensure that every honest, hard-working manufacturer in this country who wishes to expand his operation through export will be given the protection by our Government against any country that wishes to put in place non-tariff barriers regardless of size," said Samuda.

He added: "We hope that the Dominican Republic will come to the table and honour the terms of trade that reflect integrity and adherence to the rules that govern international trade."

Samuda told The Gleaner that he has not heard from any member of the administration of the Dominican Republic.

"They have not said anything and have sought to speak to us through their cement association."

Samuda brought to public attention late last week allegations that the Dominican Republic was attempting to block the sale of Carib Cement in that country in what he characterised as a classic case of the application of non-tariff barriers.

He told journalists that he was giving the authorities in the neighbouring Caribbean country between 24 and 48 hours to allow a shipment of Carib Cement to be off-loaded there.