Senior Reporter
andrea.perez-sobers@guardian.co.tt
After months of uncertainty, some customers of Trinbago Express USA have begun receiving long-delayed cargo, following intervention by the Port Authority of T&T (PATT). However, significant concerns remain, particularly for customers whose goods are still held at other ports, including the Port of Point Lisas.
Last month, PATT confirmed it was aware that citizens utilising the services of Trinbago Express had been unable to take delivery of their cargo for several months, due to circumstances outside the Port Authority’s control. The situation caused hardship for hundreds of customers, many of whom had personal and household items held at local ports, with little clarity on when it would be released.
Guardian Media has been tracking the matter since August, when Trinbago Express CEO Pamela Lindsay publicly assured affected customers that efforts were underway to clear the containers and return goods to their owners. Despite those assurances, customers continued to complain of limited communication, mounting storage costs, and deteriorating cargo.
One affected customer, Jadeine Joseph, described the experience as both financially and emotionally draining. She confirmed she recently received her shipment after nearly a year.
“Certain things had expired. I had newborn Pampers that I could no longer utilise. Some baby items couldn’t be used because they’re meant for a specific milestone,” Joseph said. “It was a great loss for me.”
Joseph estimated that thousands of people may have been affected, explaining that individual containers often held goods for between 60 and 80 customers. She indicated that approximately 40 containers were involved in the overall operation.
Joseph noted that relief came after the Port Authority exercised its powers under Section 8 of the Port Authority of T&T Act, which allows cargo left unclaimed for more than 180 days to be disposed. In this case, the Authority opted to release the goods to their owners rather than auction them.
#“Because it was on their premises, and given the fact that so many people were affected, they decided to release it to us,” she said. Customers were still required to pay port, Customs, and excise fees.
She credited the Port Authority’s operational staff for working extended hours, including nights and weekends, to process the release of cargo. She also confirmed that ministerial intervention played a role in accelerating the process.
“I saw a video where the minister said she spoke to the Prime Minister and explained how many people were affected. The Prime Minister told her, ‘Do something about it,’” Joseph said.
Despite progress at the Port of Spain, customers with cargo at Point Lisas report no similar movement. Roxanne Samuel, another affected customer, indicated that several containers remain untouched.
“Here are six containers. We need the six containers. That is all she has here, the majority for Spain,” Samuel said, referring to the Point Lisas port. “We are tired. It has people waiting and waiting.”
Samuel questioned why customers at Point Lisas have not benefited from the same process applied in Port of Spain, noting that Point Lisas is also a recognised port facility.
“What happened to us? We deserve our stuff too,” she lamented.
Customers also raised concerns about ongoing attempts by Trinbago Express to collect shipping fees, despite the Port Authority assuming control of the cargo. Several customers told Guardian Media they had already paid in full before shipment, while others were advised they were no longer obligated to pay the company.
Joseph warned customers to remain vigilant.
“She’s still calling customers to pay money to her,” she said. “They are no longer indebted to her.”
The Port Authority has not publicly indicated when or whether the same release mechanism will be applied to cargo held at Point Lisas. In the meantime, affected customers continue to press for clarity, transparency, and equal treatment across ports, as the long-running Trinbago Express matter remains unresolved for many.
