Port Manager Darwin Telemaque said that regional ports are causing problems for maritime traffic.

He was part of a group of policymakers, business leaders, and experts brought together by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to discuss how to improve trade in the Caribbean

Telemaque explained that it’s crucial to improve the efficiency of labor, digitalization, and infrastructure at ports, as they are essential for the region’s existence.

The group identified labor efficiency, digitalization, and infrastructure upgrades as ways to make immediate improvements.

They also called for consistent rules to support business and regional cooperation to create hubs and economies of scale, despite the complicated political situation.

CDB’s Director of Economics, Mr. Ian Durant, shared findings from studies commissioned by the Bank on logistics performance in Grenada and Saint Lucia.

The studies found that both countries face similar challenges, including limited capacity and equipment, slow loading times, high shipping rates, outdated tariff structures, lack of cold storage, long inspection times, aging infrastructure, and inefficient labor practices.

Mr. Durant emphasized the importance of the public and private sectors working together to address these challenges. He stressed the need for consensus on how to improve logistics.

World Bank Program Leader for the Caribbean and Latin America, Ms. Fatima Arroyos, encouraged a regional approach, despite the complex political situation. She suggested thinking about building hubs and economies of scale instead of focusing on individual countries trading.

Ms. Arroyos acknowledged that the political discussion is complex but urged finding ways to move forward.

The seminar, “Accelerating Development: Optimising Trade Connectivity and Logistics for Growth,” was part of a series of knowledge-sharing events hosted by the CDB at its 54th Annual Meeting held in June in Ottawa, Canada