–as TGI approaches full market satisfaction
Georgetown, Guyana: TCL Guyana Inc. (TGI) is on target to deliver over 17,000 metric tonnes (mt) of cement to the market during the month of May. 4350 metric tonnes (mt) of this amount have already arrived in the country, and are being distributed; and another 4000 metric tonnes (mt) are due to arrive over the weekend. Another 9100 metric tonnes (mt) are expected before the end of May. Shipments have been originating at TGI’s sister companies within the region – Arawak Cement Company Limited in Barbados, and Caribbean Cement Company Limited in Jamaica — during industrial relations activities at the regular source, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL). Meanwhile, TCL continues to steadily ramp up its production, having produced twenty six thousand, six hundred and thirty-four (26,634) metric tonnes (mt) of cement in April, notwithstanding its current industrial relations situation. The impasse is approaching the end of the ninety-day period when either party (company or union) could request that the matter be referred to the Industrial Court for a ruling.

TGI’s Plant Manager, Mark Bender, has acknowledged there was a supply shortfall in April, but has signalled a return to full market satisfaction going forward. He remarked, “We are relentless in our efforts to consistently supply our market, and are working assiduously towards quickly attaining adequate supplies in the ensuing month of June.” Mr. Bender also stressed that TGI has not increased its ex-factory price for either bulk or bagged cement, and he has asked retailers to refrain from product hoarding and price gouging in the interest of the construction sector and the country’s overall economic development.

Guyana’s market demand currently stands at approximately seventeen thousand, five hundred (17,500) mt of cement per month.