Manufacturers Association worries about crime in special economic zones
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) has commended the Government for new legislation put in place to govern special economic zones (SEZ), but expressed concern that if the legislation is not enforced the zones could be a safe haven for criminal activity. Read More
TTMA concerned about enforcement of laws in Special Economic Zones
“Special Economic Zones are areas used by governments to diversify exports, generate foreign exchange, create jobs, plot new policies and approaches and allow more efficient government supervision of infrastructural development, environmental controls and labour standards,” according to the Special Economic Zones policy for T&T by the Trade Ministry. Read More:TTMA concerned about enforcement of laws in Special Economic Zones - Trinidad Guardian
Tobacco body discusses penalties for illicit trade
The first meeting of the Anti-Illicit Trade Taskforce’s working group on tobacco discussed several priority matters key to combating the illicit trade in the item locally. In a release, the working group said these included the estimation and identification of the trade locally, current high levels of taxation and key recommendations to address the issue, including reviewing and improving the enforcement of existing legislation; and implementing and increasing more robust penalties and fines for actors that don’t comply with the prohibitions under the Tobacco Control Act and Tobacco Control Regulations. Read More:Tobacco body discusses penalties for illicit trade (newsday.co.tt)
TTMA, CrimeStoppers continue battle against illicit tobacco trade
The crackdown on illicit tobacco trade has been taken to a new level following the first meeting of the Working Group on Tobacco, after its official formation at the Fifth Meeting of the Anti-Illicit Trade Taskforce (AITTF) held last month.The Working Group met on 14th March 2022, in a session that included representatives of the co-chair organisations Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago, along with representatives from the Customs and Excise Division, Financial Intelligence Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Read More: TTMA, CrimeStoppers continue battle against illicit tobacco trade - Trinidad Guardian
TTMA welcomes return of US Alcohol, Firearms Bureau
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association welcomed the return of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to TT.
On March 11, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds met with ATF officials at his ministry at Temple Court, Abercromby Street in Port of Spain.
The ministry issued a statement that day saying the meeting provided an opportunity to "discuss prospects to further bilateral security collaboration between the Governments of TT and the United States in significant areas of mutual interest." Read More: TTMA welcomes return of US Alcohol, Firearms Bureau (newsday.co.tt)
TTMA Optimistic Over Return of US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association says it is optimistic and enthused over the return of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to Trinidad and Tobago.
TTMA President, Tricia Coosal, said the presence and law enforcement expertise of the ATF augers well for Trinidad and Tobago as the Government, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and several state and enforcement agencies are committed to the elimination of illicit trade. Read More: TTMA Optimistic Over Return Of US Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms And Explosives – IzzSo – News travels fast !!
TTMA calls for greater accountability in Free Trade Zones
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Illicit Trade Desk is calling for greater accountability in Free Trade Zones to prevent illicit trade and money laundering. Read More
TTMA commends Government on its Illicit Trade Fight
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association Tricia Coosal believes that the Government is headed in the right direction thus far in its fight against illicit trade. Read More
TTMA Commends Customs and Excise Division on Recent Seizures
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association commends the Customs and Excise Division on the recent seizures of contraband for the month of April. Read more
TTMA Commends Authorities on Arms Haul
In response to the seizure of guns and ammunition in Piarco and Couva, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) is calling on the government to implement additional measures to tackle the illegal gun and drug trades. Read more
TTMA Calls for Greater Vigilance at Legal Ports of Entry
The T&T Manufacturers’ Association has recommended to Government that there must be increased focus and inspection at the country’s various borders, especially at the ports and within the Free Trade Zone to clamp down on illicit trade and other numerous forms of criminal activities. Read more
TTMA – Free Trade Zones a Haven for Illicit Trade
he Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) Illicit Trade Desk views this country’s Free Trade Zones as a double-edged sword acknowledging that while it supports a myriad of trade activities, it can have devastating effects when these zones are used for criminal purposes. Link: https://www.cnc3.co.tt/ttma-free-trade-zones-a-haven-for-illicit-trade/
Illicit Trade in T&T Alcohol Industry
“Illicit trade continues to deprive local businesses of sales, and every sale counts to keep law abiding people employed and shops open. Illegal sales of alcohol also deprive the country of state funds that support our schools, hospitals, pensions, roads and jobs. Read more
T&T Awash With Counterfeit Products
Managing Director of Bastion Market Intelligence Ltd in Port-of Spain, Roger Montero, believes that if the problems of illicit trade are addressed, then this country can get an improved ranking in the next Global Illicit Trade Environment Index. Read more
Illicit Trade: The Criminal Element and Law Enforcement
Trinidad and Tobago is a breeding ground for illicit trade activities, with its lucrative commercial market, unsuspecting consumers, and its under resourced authorities who are left to determine what are illicitly traded goods and products. Read more
Illicit Trade: What is Contraband and Why is it an Issue?
The illicit trade of goods manifests itself in different ways, including counterfeiting, adulteration of goods, and tax evasion. These are clear violations of any country’s laws – and certainly here in T&T. Read more
TTMA commends St Lucia crackdown on Illicit Cigarettes
The TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has commended St Lucian authorities for taking swift action against illicit cigarettes. Read more
Impact of COVID on Illicit Trade
There is no doubt the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will have profound effects on the world, most particularly organized crime and illicit trade. The early ramifications of the increasingly susceptible and some criminal groups are already using the restriction on movement as an ‘opportunity’ to increase their illegal activities. Read more
