I am for free enterprise system. I don't particular care for monopolies. Because monopolies over time have caused havoc with the country's economy, I am throwing my full support behind Chris Bicknell, chief executive officer of Tank-Weld Metals, in the anti-dumping dispute with the Caribbean Cement Company.

As reported, Tank-Weld Metals controls a mere four per cent of the cement market in the country; Caribbean Cement Company controls 80 per cent so I can't understand what the fuss is all about. In my view, Caribbean Cement Company's charge of dumping is without merit. We have heard such arguments before. Whenever companies such as Caribbean Cement Company find it difficult to compete they cry foul.

So the minister of trade and commerce was right in ignoring their argument. If the minister had entertained arguments from the fertiliser company in Jamaica, the small far-mers would be out of business by now. When the Government began importing its own fertiliser their prices started falling like ninepins.

I would like to see Tank-Weld Metals market share of cement increase from a mere four per cent to a least 15 or 20 per cent. A company is in business to create employment, provide a quality product at a competitive price and make a profit. And Tank-Weld Metals fulfil all these criteria.

Expansion

Although Caribbean Cement Company is located in Jamaica it is owned by Trinidad and Tobago. Tank-Weld Metals, in my view, is a Jamaican company. They are in the midst of rapid expansion, thereby providing jobs for the Jamaican people. Besides, they're a good corporate citizen - their charitable and sponsorship deeds, particularly in the inner cities, speak for themselves.

I would like to advise Bicknell to stand firm and not give in.

I am, etc.,

NOEL MITCHELL

nlmworld@yahoo.com