Guyana’s government has suspended duties on cement imports for a year to
encourage local firms to import the product from outside the Caribbean,
local press reported. The decision was made after it became clear that the regional supplier,
Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL), will be unable to meet demand in Guyana,
despite assurances from the company to the contrary, Guyana’s cabinet
secretary Robert Luncheon was quoted as saying.

"The shortages are fast becoming endemic in relation to the growing demand
against an inadequate supply," Luncheon said, adding that the government had
initially considered suspending the duties for only six months.