The Tribune

THE US dock strike is over!

And so another could-be, might-be crisis ebbs away from our horizon. 

But the strike is another example of how our dependency on other nations can be such a drawback for our country. 

Not for nothing is it said that when America catches a cold, The Bahamas sneezes. 

The dock strike also brought plenty of flashbacks to a more recent crisis - the times of COVID-19 when supply chains were hit hard. 

Plenty of us remember all too well the challenges faced in getting all kinds of items here to The Bahamas. 

On more than one occasion, The Tribune had to carefully count how much paper it was using in each edition to ensure we could print a paper each day as we waited for the next delivery. 

One particular occasion stands out in the memory as a barge was stuck in one location in the US for nearly three weeks as our paper stock dwindled, and dwindled, and dwindled. 

Given our dependency on imports - a matter talked about by many administrations as something to change but sadly remaining a hurdle - all the more reason to make sure we do not put too many barriers in the way here at home to our ability to ship and receive items. 

So we agree with former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis who has raised concerns over JDL, the company tasked with renovating and maintaining the cargo section at Lynden Pindling International Airport, and we note that he has accused them of threating to have the business licence of courier companies revoked if they do not pay their bills.

That of course would be beyond the pale.

Speaking in Parliament, Dr Minnis claimed JDL has informed courier companies they will lose their business licence if they have outstanding debts with the company.

He urged the Davis administration of looking into the claims as private companies do not have the authority to revoke a business licence and said JDL’s fee of 20 cents per pound added to each package is increasing inflation for consumers.

He said: “JDL receives the packages in spite of the invoice stating the weight and all the necessary information.

“JDL is the first grouping to receive these packages and charge individuals 20 cents per pound, that extra cost is transmitted to the consumer. That in itself, causes inflation.

“Three couriers have informed me that JDL has informed them that if they don’t pay now their package is never seen by the customs officer. But now they’re being threatened that if they do not pay, they will lose their business licence. I don’t know where JDL obtained such authority, but I would assume that that is incorrect. But I urge the government to investigate it, because the private sector do not have such authority, and who’s giving them that authority that they will take individuals’ business licence.”

This group has been reported on extensively in The Tribune - and there remain questions. 

More of those need to be answered - even as we are thankful that the dock strike can start those items flowing again.