The Editor, Sir:
I write with great disappointment regarding the severe shortage of cement, especially at this time when most Jamaicans are eager to commence or complete construction before the year end. In my opinion, this monopoly cannot work! The Caribbean Cement Company is holding the consumers of this country at ransom and very soon it will become unbearable.
The management of the Cement Company placed a full-page explanation recently in the newspapers giving the reasons for the shortage, but that is not good enough. The management needs to explain to us the consumers what measures will be taken now to alleviate this problem and what will be in place to make sure this will never occur again.
Some time ago, the management of the Cement Company cried foul at the large importation of cement to the island. Because of this, the government increased the duties from 15 per cent to 40 per cent to block out the other importers. The consumers will now have to bear the burden of a second increase in one year because of their losses. Why should we be paying for their inefficiency?
Is it a possibility that the Government gives these companies special treatment in return for their poor service to us? Where is the loyalty? To the big corporation or the Jamaican people?
We have suffered too much under these politicians who only think of us as a vote.
I am, etc.,
SANDRA BOOTE
Busy Park
St. Catherine
