Irfaan Ali warns shipping costs are squeezing Caribbean households and businesses

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has warned that expensive shipping and freight are feeding higher food prices and putting businesses across the Caribbean at a disadvantage. Speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Shipping Association’s annual conference, he urged regional partners to work together to tackle the problem. Ali said shipping costs in the region remain above the global average, making it harder for Caribbean economies to compete. In remarks reported by News Source Guyana, he described how pricier freight can push up the cost of imported food, construction and machinery, while delays and extra expenses weigh on business operations. The president argued that improving regional cooperation is essential to make shipping networks more sustainable. He also linked the sector’s challenges to regional security, saying countries should support efforts to dismantle narcotics trafficking and protect ports from criminal networks. Ali pointed to uneven development of port infrastructure, limited capacity and inadequate storage as further obstacles. He said some ports were built for a very different commercial era and argued that governments should treat infrastructure upgrades as a policy priority. Turning to Guyana, Ali said the country’s maritime infrastructure must keep pace with economic growth and rising trade volumes. He said major dredging work would be needed to improve access along the Demerara River so larger vessels could reach the country. The comments, as reported by the outlet, put the spotlight on the cost pressures that the president says are borne by consumers and businesses alike.