Wehner criticises Antigua Port Authority over treatment of perishable imports

Political commentator George Wehner has criticised the Antigua Port Authority, accusing staff of mismanagement that he says is harming small business operators and agricultural suppliers from Dominica.

In a statement, Mr Wehner claimed perishable produce imported from Dominica is routinely mishandled upon arrival in Antigua, with goods left uncovered on the dock and, in some cases, stored in non-refrigerated containers when quarantine officers are unavailable.

He alleged that this practice has led to significant losses for suppliers, who, he said, are not compensated for damaged goods.

“For decades we in Antigua have relied on the weekly visit of the cargo boat from the Commonwealth of Dominica for our supplies of agricultural produce,” Mr Wehner said. “Yet suppliers of these perishable goods often experience frustration, embarrassment and loss at the Port as a result of the mismanagement of Port Authority employees.”

He added that the handling of imported produce reflects a broader environment where “small business operators are taxed out of existence” under the current Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) administration.

The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has not yet publicly responded to the claims.

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