Proposed Move Causes Worry To Stevedores
By: Kingsley Emmanuel
VIEUX-FORT stevedores are on edge over a decision to relocate the loading of bananas from Vieux Fort to Castries.
Alphonse Maronie, manager of Tri Star Services, one of the two freight handlers companies operating at the Vieux Fort seaport said he was informed of such a decision by Cuthbert Joseph, manager of Winfresh at a meeting he held with him last week.
Maronie said he was informed by Joseph that the stevedores would have the option of travelling to Castries to work if they wished, but according to Maronie, this would require a new arrangement with Winfresh if the workers are to benefit from such a decision.
Maronie said he understood that the decision which is expected to take effect in a few months’ time, is as a result of the shipping lines efforts to reduce their costs by paying one port fee rather than two.
He said the decision which has been pending for some time now, was to have taken effect since last year, but was delayed following the intervention of the former Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony.
“Our livelihood will be seriously affected when such a decision is taken. There is hardly any economic activity taking place in Vieux Fort right now, so to take such a business from Vieux Fort will be disastrous for the already depressed community,” Maronie lamented.
Commenting on the issue, Joseph said: “The shipping lines are exploring the possibility of loading bananas in Castries. They have the final say in terms of which port will be used …”
But stevedores of Vieux Fort say they are convinced that the decision is a “done deal” and it is just a matter of time before they find themselves on the breadline unless the government intervenes in some way.
When contacted Karen Lawrence, the head of the shipping department of M and C Shipping, confirmed that the decision to relocate the loading of bananas from Vieu Fort to Castries will take effect at the end of August, but declined to give further details.
At a meeting among the stevedores last week to discuss the issue, they exhibited anger by the decision. They said they were hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“This is nonsense…we will be at the losing end if we are to go to work in Castries,” Nicholas Mathurin, one of the stevedores said.
Another said the only way he might consider working in Castries is if their salaries are increased and they are paid a transportation allowance.
Over the years, the state of economic activity in Vieux Fort has declined significantly, causing grave concern among residents.
A meeting was scheduled for yesterday between officials of Winfresh and the stevedores.
The stevedoring enter-rise at -ort Vieux Fort has been on the decline for some time, having never been able to secure any meaningful attention from those who are able to make a difference. The numbers have dwindled and all sorts of gymnastics have been invented to enable the few remaining workers to eke out a living there. [Recall one or two lines from one of my -oems: “And if this -hase should fail / No more shall the morning sunrise / Over at Lonely Tree’s bushy head / Kee- ho-e alive /And I shall not be around / To watch you -ick u- the -ieces”—– Sorry for that missing letter]
Y don’t the government let them port in v fort free problem solve and jobs are save