The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) has raised concerns about what it terms as “disparaging comments and consistent threats” of manufacturers abusing their import licences for refined sugar.

Last week general manager of the Jamaica Cane Products Sales Ltd, Karl James, reportedly said some manufacturers have been importing refined sugar for their businesses but have been retailing the product, undermining the local raw (brown) sugar industry, while robbing the Government of revenue.

James went on to warn the manufacturers that he will name and shame those guilty of abusing their import licences for refined (granulated) sugar. According to James, a government policy that rewarded unscrupulous importers of refined sugar was the trigger for a corrupt practice which has since led to a thriving trade.

On Monday, the JMA stated that it notes with great consternation, James’s most recent accusation and warned that the manager immediately cease and desist his disparaging comments and consistent threats about the sector or name the manufacturers who are purportedly taking part in this activity.

“As far back as the 1990s, the JMA has been beseeched by innuendos and threats without the obligatory proof as required. The agencies designated to protect our borders and domestic tax system; Jamaica Customs Agency and Tax Administration Jamaica have yet to identify the alleged perpetrators of this act,” the JMA stated in a press release.

The JMA added that it will not be intimated by aggressive posturing towards a sector that significantly contributes to Jamaica’s growth rate.

“We are astonished at Mr James’s statements in the media given the discussions and subsequent solutions agreed upon by the JMA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited,” it continued.

The association recommended that all sugar intended for retail purposes must be appropriately packaged, indicating weight, country of origin, brand, local supplier and other particulars, which media reports suggest was being implemented, albeit at a slow pace.

It added that this will allow for retailers’ compliance and combat any leakages whether real or perceived. The association also called for a robust review of the duties and additional stamp duties which stands at 129 per cent and give life to the current illicit trade.

“The JMA and Jamaica Cane Products Sales Ltd are linked by an existing commonality. We are both committed to the discontinuance and taking action on a practice that is sullying the name of manufacturers. We have long pledged our support and resources at our disposal to deal with this issue, but evidence must be provided.

“It is of great wonder that Mr James and Jamaica Cane Products Sales Limited are knowledgeable with regards to manufacturers who are allegedly retailing refined sugar in contravention of their import licences and fail to notify same,” it said.

The JMA is urging all stakeholders to ensure accuracy in their public statements, so that they may work together to achieve an equitable solution.

— Karena Bennett

— Karena Bennett