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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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BVI Athletes to Compete in PanAmerican U23 Squash Championships
Three squash players from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are set to compete in the PanAmerican Under-23 Squash Championships, scheduled to take place in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from October 6 to 12. The event will feature individual, doubles, and team competitions, where the young athletes will have the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest squash nations in the region.
Representing Team BVI are Luca Reich, Oliver Henderson, and Daniel Henderson. Luca, 21, is currently studying at Western University in Canada. With experience competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the PanAmerican Senior Championships in Guatemala, Luca brings valuable international exposure to the team. His teammate, Oliver, 18, recently began his degree at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom, where he trains alongside players ranked in the top 100 of the senior world rankings. Daniel, the youngest team member at 16, is still a student at Cedar School. As the reigning Caribbean Under-17 Champion and a quarterfinalist in the U17 PanAmerican Championships, Daniel has already established himself as a promising talent in the sport.
Despite their young ages, the athletes will face strong competition from squash powerhouses such as Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. Their participation in this prestigious event marks an important step in their development as they compete on the PanAmerican stage.
National Coach Adam Murrills emphasised the significance of the competition for these young players. “We’ve seen great progress from this group over the past five years, with their standout performance at the Junior Caribbean Championships, where they earned three gold medals. Competing at the PanAmerican level will be an important challenge for them. Although they are young for this category, this experience will help them bridge the gap with top-tier players over time,” Murrills stated.
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Smith-Abbot and Bertie Confirmed as Permanent Secretaries in Major Ministries
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BVI Sees No Disruptions So Far Amid U.S. Dockworkers Strike, Government and Businesses Remain Vigilant
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) government, local businesses, and shipping companies are closely monitoring the potential impact of a major U.S. dockworkers strike, which threatens to disrupt global supply chains.
On 1 October 2024, thousands of dockworkers at ports from New England to Texas walked off the job, demanding better pay and job security. As negotiations between the International Longshore Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain unresolved, concerns are growing over possible delays in shipping to the Caribbean.
The Honourable Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, assured the public that the BVI government is actively assessing the situation. In a statement issued shortly after the strike began, Minister Rymer confirmed that the British Virgin Islands Port Authority (BVIPA) has received no indication that October shipments will be disrupted. He noted that the West Palm Beach Port, a critical hub for Tropical Shipping, remains operational as it is not affected by the strike.
“Our shipping lines do not operate through unionised ports,” Rymer said, “but we acknowledge that the duration of these strikes could affect our supply chain.” He stressed that shipping companies are prioritising essential goods, and local supermarkets are coordinating with suppliers to maintain inventory levels. Rymer urged calm while the government continues to monitor developments.
OneMart, one of the territory’s largest supermarket chains, echoed the government’s reassurances. In a statement, OneMart management noted that their stores are well-stocked and equipped to meet current demand. The company acknowledged the potential for extended disruptions if the strike continues, but reassured customers that contingency plans are in place to minimize any impact on the food supply.
OneMart also reminded customers not to panic and to avoid rushed buying. “We advise our customers to stay calm, avoid panic-buying, and remain informed,” said a company spokesperson.
Crowley, a major shipping company servicing the region, has also provided updates to customers. While the contract between the ILA and USMX expired on 30 September, Crowley emphasised that its terminals in Jacksonville, Port Everglades, Philadelphia, and San Juan are not affected by the strike, as they are not part of the ILA Master Contract. “We do not expect any disruptions and expect that cargo will move as normal through those ports,” Crowley said in a statement, ensuring their readiness to support customers despite the ongoing labor disputes.
As the strike continues, the BVI government and businesses remain vigilant. Minister Rymer has promised further updates as the situation unfolds, thanking residents for their patience during this uncertain period. Local companies are also preparing for any potential delays, while shipping lines not involved in the strike remain operational for now. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and trust that contingency plans are in place to safeguard essential supplies.
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