Dear Editor,

More than six months have passed and there seems to be no relief in sight for users of stone. Local producers always seem to be out of stock. Lines of trucks are frequently seen at the depots expecting to be loaded. Today, once again, none of the producers can say when they expect stock.

The shortage causes all construction to be hampered and indeed creates a great opportunity for the producers to fleece customers. It is time that duty and VAT free importation of stone is allowed. The competition will force local producers to cherish their customers instead of the disdain presently shown. Direct intervention by government with the quarry operators would signal that compromise of its housing and infrastructural programme would not be tolerated.

Yours faithfully,
S Persaud