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DMA | Feb 20, 2021

Trade dispute on soap still brewing between Jamaica and Dominica

/ Our Today

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Dominica’s prime minister adds voice to trade impasse

Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, prime minister of Dominica.

It is clear that the trade dispute between Jamaica and Dominica over soap is far from over, even with CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) issuing an adverse ruling on Jamaican-manufactured soaps.

COTED ruled late last year that Jamaica, through its trade board, should not issue any Certificates of Origin for soaps manufactured under the current manufacturing process in the island. Lack of a certificate of origin from Jamaica may require an importer in a CARICOM country to pay a tariff on imported Jamaican soap.

‘UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES’

However, Dominican Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit has fired the latest salvo, speaking about the challenges faced by his country’s biggest soap manufacturer, DCP-Successor, largely because of what he was quoted as saying are “unfair trading practices, which have been promoted in Jamaica”.

Skerrit was speaking during a tour across all DCP-Successor’s factory, including the manufacturing and storage units. He was accompanied on the tour by other Cabinet ministers.

PM Roosevelt Skerrit during DCP Successor visit on Thursday. ( Photo: WIC News)

DCP-Successor manufactures soap and exports all across the region. Pointing out that Dominica and Jamaica share very good relations, Skerrit is adamant about the promotion of fair trading practices, noting that the company also makes “soap chips” that are exported to Jamaica.

Soap is the major exporter for Dominica and generates extensive investment for the country to keep the economy afloat, while the DCP- Successor company is a massive structure that employs several locals of the country.

The Dominican prime minister pointed out that the factory at DCP-Successor was closed down due to the massive hurricanes. However, it is now under a new administration and is owned by a local Dominican.

“They have made tremendous progress thus far, notwithstanding the challenges faced largely because of unfair trading practices which have been promoted in Jamaica,” Skerrit explained.

DOMINICA-MANUFACTURED SOAPS ARE GENUINE

He said the soaps being manufactured in Dominica are genuine CARICOM soaps, with all of the production elements being carried out within Dominica.

The prime minister acknowledged the role of DCP-Successor company in the employment sector of the country, stating that all the different units of the manufacturing of soaps have employed local Dominicans, keeping many families operating.

DCP-Successor, largely known as the Successor company, located in Dominica, is a preeminent manufacturer of soaps and has provided product to cruise lines and leading hotel chains. The company has also made global brands under contract, including Palmolive, Protex, Jergens, Dial, Tone, Imperial Leather, to name a few.

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