KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) says it is outraged as “members of the manufacturing and exporting community are being severely affected by the recent backlog on the Kingston Freeport Terminal (KFT) bringing a halt to production and costing the country millions in earnings.”

JMA in a release today said that the situation has been allowed to continue and not improve amidst promises that gate operations would resume and opening hours extended to expedite the clearance of domestic containers beginning yesterday through to August 12.

It said that to a large extent, these commitments have not been sufficient in resolving the issue, some are not being met, and there have been reports that operations are being intermittently paused.

“The country is being held at ransom, affecting business and stiffening growth of the industry. The situation is untenable, and must not be allowed to continue. As a country that strives to be a logistics hub, our port eco-system needs to be efficient at all stages, and KFT needs to live up to its responsibility in this regard.”

The JMA said it strongly urges a quick resolution to the situation and as such we are recommending the following:

1. That KFT opens operations on August 12, as promised, and Sunday August 13;

2. That the Kingston Warf be engaged by KFT for the clearing of domestic containers for manufacturers; and

3. That Minister Horace Chang aggressively takes a hold of the situation in the interest of the country.