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Longshoremen Strike Threatens to Disrupt Caribbean Trade and Supply Chains
Tens of thousands of longshoremen went on strike at midnight on September 30, shutting down major ports along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, a move that is set to severely impact the Caribbean’s supply chains and trade routes. The strike, which halts deliveries of crucial goods such as produce and auto parts, could trigger shortages, shipping delays, and rising costs across the Caribbean, which relies heavily on U.S. ports for imports and trade.
While businesses and logistics firms in the U.S. have taken pre-emptive steps to avoid immediate disruptions, the Caribbean’s reliance on these U.S. ports for imports means that a prolonged work stoppage could seriously strain the region’s supply chains. Analysts predict the strike could cost the U.S. economy anywhere from several hundred million dollars to $4.5 billion a day, with Caribbean nations facing their own economic challenges if goods need to be rerouted through more expensive, longer shipping channels. Higher costs would likely be passed on to consumers.
The ports impacted by the strike handle about half of all ocean imports to the U.S., and the work stoppage involves between 25,000 to 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). The broader ILA represents 85,000 workers in total. The union argues that global cargo carriers have seen massive profits since the pandemic’s supply-chain disruptions but have not fairly shared those gains with workers.
This strike follows months of escalating tensions between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents major ocean freight companies and port operators. The union is pressing for wage increases and limits on port automation, which they believe could lead to job losses. The two sides had not resumed negotiations in the days leading up to the strike.
“The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX are enjoying billion-dollar profits in 2024, while they offer ILA workers an unacceptable wage package that we’ve rejected,” the ILA said in a statement on Monday.
USMX, for its part, said they had been in discussions with the union and were disappointed that a work stoppage couldn’t be avoided. As the strike stretches on, concerns are growing about its impact on the Caribbean, where many countries rely heavily on imports from U.S. ports. A disruption of this scale could lead to significant economic challenges for the region, which depends on timely deliveries of goods for both consumers and businesses alike.
If no resolution is reached soon, the Caribbean may face ripple effects, with delays in key goods, increased shipping costs, and potential shortages affecting industries across the region.
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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