Antigua.news interviews Dominican hucksters about shipping concerns (file photo)
Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are working with counterparts in Dominica to resolve longstanding issues surrounding the shipment and offloading of agricultural produce brought in by Dominican hucksters.
General Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, Darwin Telemaque, tells Antigua.news that discussions are underway with the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) aimed at improving packaging practices.
He explained that one of the key problems is that boxes intended to carry 40 to 45 pounds of produce are often packed with nearly double that weight, creating difficulties in handling and increasing the risk of damage.
The talks follow protests last week by Dominican hucksters who voiced frustration over what they describe as poor handling of their goods at the St John’s port.
The vendors said produce shipments are sometimes left uncovered on the dock for hours during offloading, exposing them to sun and rain and resulting in spoilage and financial losses.
Port Manager Darwin Telemaque speaks to Antigua.news (file photo)
They further complained that repeated requests for tents or some form of shelter to protect their goods have gone unanswered, despite reports that such equipment has been made available.
Telemaque, who is currently on official business overseas, said he intends to provide a full update on the matter once he returns.
He added that he may also travel to Dominica for direct talks with DEXIA officials to ensure solutions are found to protect both the interests of the port and the livelihoods of the hucksters.
It’s heartbreaking that you import your goods and when you finally get access to them they are if no use. I hope some sort of resolve can be found
The Dominicans trying to make money by overloading the boxes. So when their goods come they squeeze up and smash up. So I hear the man say. You realize both the reporter and the one being interviewed are Dominicans? Lol
These vendors rely on their shipments for their livelihood. Any steps to prevent spoilage will make a real difference for them.
It’s about time these issues get addressed, overloading boxes and leaving produce in the sun is clearly hurting the vendors and port workers. Time enough there’s a clear understanding and some sort of way of helping both parties in this matter
If they can improve handling and storage, it’ll benefit not just Dominican farmers but also consumers here in Antigua and Barbuda.
We have to overload the boxes to make up for the shit product we recieve and have to throw away