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Not everyone is happy with the increasing number of local businessmen who own Jamaican businesses, but Jamaican Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Karl Samuda is encouraging more locals to invest in that country.

Samuda extended an invitation to local businesses while addressing members of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) at the group’s annual general meeting at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s, yesterday.

He said, “Many have expressed, at times, disappointment that a number of our businesses have had to change ownership and that Trinidadian businessmen have come and taken advantage of the situation.

“Let me just say that as far as this administration is concerned, we welcome investors from Trinidad and Tobago; we see no sense in welcoming people from all parts of the world to come and take advantage of our offerings, and at the same time, whenever someone from within our own region, and particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, comes, we tend to frown on it. That day is over; I want you to understand all of you are welcome to come invest in Jamaica.”

Samuda said the purpose of his visit to Trinidad and Tobago was to dispel misconceptions and to ensure a closer trade relationship between the two islands.

Minister of Trade Stephen Cadiz said the time had come for Caricom to resolve trade wars and work together.

“We know there have been issues between both sides concerning products entering our respective markets. My baptism of fire since becoming Minister of Trade has been a cement war, a patty war…all these ongoing skirmishes, and for the life of me, I could not figure why Caricom was 30 years old and why somebody could not pick up the phone and say, ‘I have a problem,'” Cadiz said.