JMA - SIA as sole importer of refined sugar a retrograde step From RJR A decision by the Government to reinstate the Sugar Industry Authority, SIA, as the sole importer of refined sugar is being strongly opposed by the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, JMA.It has warned that the arrangement will have negative consequences. Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier on Wednesday announced that the SIA was again in control of sugar imports. It will, among other things, plug the leakage of Government revenue in the wake of a recent scam involving the sale of duty free sugar to supermarkets and other entities in the distributive trade. However, Metry Seaga, JMA Deputy President, has described it as a retrograde step, one which the manufacturers are not convinced will enable the Government of Jamaica to get them a quality product at a quality price, on time. He said the JMA had had discussions with the Government on the issue, and weve showed them various ways of fixing whatever perceived problems there are, and were expecting the Government to revert to those ways, and certainly not talk about implementing a draconian measure like this, without consultation! The JMA believes the new regime for the importation of refined sugar will impede the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, lead to higher pricing, quality inconsistency and an unreliable supply. Additionally, the Association says consideration must be given to the negative impact on consumers in terms of the cost of goods. It adds that there are long-term supply contracts for refined sugar to several local businesses and, if broken, will have financial consequences. The Manufacturers Association is also questioning whether the new importation regime with the SIA is necessary as there is no information that a significant quantity of sugar imported duty-free has been illegally sold.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 11:49:24 +0000
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