TT Coalition Service Industries distances itself from threats to move businesses to Suriname

The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), the national umbrella body for services associations in that country, on Thursday distanced itself from comments made by its Director Mr. Jaishima Leladharsingh that TT businesses will move to Suriname if Guyana does not grant a Local Content Certificate to Ramps Logistics Inc. The Certificate grants priority to its holders when tendering for contracts in the oil and gas sector.

Ramps Logistics, a Trinidadian company, was denied a Local Content Certificate and has opted to take the Government of Guyana to court. It has also been slapped with ten charges for false declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Mr. Leladharsingh at the recently concluded Guyana Basins Summit (GBS), was quoted by popular OilNow media agency stating; “we are observing what’s happening with Ramps in Trinidad, and I am seeing it clear here that if Ramps does not get its Local Content [Certificate] approved, a lot of Trinidad companies will go to Suriname. I suggest that they have a rethink of that policy. It is not in keeping with the [CARICOM Single Market and Economy] CSME spirit and it is not going to encourage investment.”

In its statement, TTCS said it “wishes to emphaticaly distance itself from the views expressed by [the] TTCSI director…At the time, Mr. Leladharsingh spoke in his personal capacity and as such, the statements made are not-and do not-represent the view of the TTCSI.”

It added that Trinidad and Tobago has been pursuing the introduction of local content and participation legislation and TTCS continues to be supportive of this process.

The body said six energy services companies that recently completed TTCSI’s Gateway to Trade Export Accelerator programme 2021/2022-Damus Limited, North West Maritime Limited, Kronus Geological Services Limited, Epic Maintenance Limited, Weldfab Limited and Phillips General Contracting Limited-are in Guyana attending the GBS. The TTCSI said it is pleased that accomplished presenters have been scheduled to address various options for investment opportunities that may be of benefit to the above-referenced companies and areas in which they can participate in neighbouring Guyana.

“Several of the firms on the mission indicated that the Summit provided an excellent forum for networking and engagement and presented opportunities for integration between both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago,” according to the statement.

The TTCSl commended the organizers of the Guyana Basins Summit for a strong agenda and one that is well-placed to achieve excellent results.