Trade minister tells Trinbago Express Shipping protesters: Wrong ministry

Customers of Trinbago Express Shipping Inc. staged a protest outside the Ministry of Trade at Nicholas Towers in Port of Spain on November 12, demanding action over their undelivered parcels, some of which have been stuck at the port for over a year. The protest was led by Umar Abdullah, leader of the First Wave Movement, who argued that the ministry has both the authority and responsibility to intervene. However, Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Colin Gosine expressed sympathy for the customers but clarified that the Ministry of Trade lacks jurisdiction over the Port of Port of Spain, which falls under the Ministries of Finance and Works. Meanwhile, Lidmer Murray, managing director of Trinbago Express TT Ltd, refuted allegations that his company had collected payments without delivering goods. In a letter published in the Trinidad Express on November 19, Murray emphasized that Trinbago Express TT Ltd and Trinbago Express Shipping Inc. are distinct entities, with the latter being responsible for the outstanding debts preventing the release of the goods. Trinbago Express TT Ltd has since ended its association with the US-based shipper and ceased operations.