MP seeks forex waiver to help burnt businesses recover

CARONI East MP Dr Rishad Seecharan is lobbying for the owners of a Chaguanas warehouse which was recently destroyed by fire to be allowed to buy an “adequate sum” of foreign exchange to rebuild their companies.

The warehouse, at Citrus Drive, Enterprise, Chaguanas, burned down a week ago and estimated losses of plant, machinery and stocks have been put at $35 million.

The warehouse stocked goods for Alisha Marketing and Seumeds Ltd Poultry Equipment.

On Saturday, Seecharan said in a release all of the products marketed by the companies were imported.

“The businesses are Alisha Marketing Ltd and Roomlocks Electrical Ltd, importers and distributors of electrical and home decor products, and Seumeds Ltd, importers and distributors of veterinary pharmaceuticals and agro supplies.”

Newsday understands several local veterinary businesses are now scrambling to find supplies of specific medication, including Bravecto, which is used to control ticks and fleas.

He said the losses suffered by Alisha Marketing and Roomlocks are estimated at $15 million and $20 million for Seumeds, and 45 people were now unemployed.

"The owners would simply like to be permitted to purchase an adequate sum of foreign exchange, which would allow them to import and restock their supplies. They are not seeking any favours from the authorities.

“The companies are the largest in their respective fields, and they also supply Caribbean markets. Seumeds has been in business since 1982, and Alisha and Roomlocks have been in operations since 1999...These businesses have made a significant contribution to the economic and social well-being of the community.”

He asked that requests for foreign exchange allocations be “favourably considered” and done in a timely manner.