BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - THE RECURRING challenges of a widening trade deficit for Jamaica with Trinidad and Tobago featured again in the Jamaican senate last Friday but climaxed with an understanding to pursue a non-confrontational strategy for reversal of this lingering negative trend.
For all their often feisty political quarrels, both government and opposition senators joined forces to echo dissatisfaction over the very significant trade balance, which currently stands at some BDS$2 billion in Trinidad and Tobago’s favour.
Senator Christopher Tufton of the opposition Jamaica Labour Party, mover of the relevant motion in favour of an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-influenced strategy for economic development with growth, was passionate in his quest for strong demands by Jamaica to arrest the widening negative trade with Trinidad and Tobago. He referenced growing criticisms also from significant sectors, among then Jamaican exporters.