Shipping companies facilitating Guyanese shipping needs for the season

By Natasha Waldron Anthony

It is customary at this time of the year for there to be an increase in barrels and parcels being shipped from the United States to Guyana. However, there has been a reduction in shipping activities, as a result of the global economic crisis.

Guyana Times International spoke with president of the Caribbean Cargo Limited, popular Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira, who disclosed that that shipping entity has seen a major shortfall in barrel shipments, and this, he said, is as a result of the effects of the recession.

Vieira said: “In my 25-plus years in the industry, this has been the most troubling year for most shipping companies. Many companies (have) had to reduce their prices in order to compete with businesses which simply pop-up at this time (of the year) and can afford to sell the product way below market prices.”

He also noted that there is now need for families in the U.S. to send monies as against ship parcels home, since many products are easily available in Guyana.

However, the New York-based shipping entity is catering for those who nevertheless wish to send barrels or parcels to Guyana at this time. Caribbean Cargo recently launched its “Christmas give-away Christmas box” sale.

Vieira says the boxes, sold in 20-, 40- and 70- pound ranges, give a customer the option of selecting whatever is financially suitable. Now the company is freely giving the boxes away to customers who take their items to any Caribbean Cargo outlet to be packed and shipped.

Meanwhile, Veronique Hollingsworth, General Manager at King Solomon Logistics, another New York-based shipping entity, said: “Our air cargo service, which I must add has been highly received by our customers, will get to Guyana or to any Caribbean island anything sent on or before the 20th of December, in time for Christmas, delivered directly to their families’ doors free of charge.”

King Solomon Logistics had, this season, increased the number of shipments from twice weekly to four times weekly, and its cut-off date for sea cargo was the 15th of November.

In the meantime, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has implemented a simple risk management system whereby barrels containing personal effects are not being subjected to the customary scrutiny. Hollingsworth told Guyana Times International that her company is aware of the new system.

“This system is great and would work for folks who pack their boxes effectively. However, I do feel some education must be done so people would gain from it. Actually, because of this system, we at King Solomon Logistics have been able to pass those savings directly on to our customers.  Our prices were low, but it definitely helped to lower them even further.”