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A supply shortage is emerging in Tobago amid the absence of an operational cargo vessel to supply the sister island.

The Express visited several supermarkets and hardware stores across Tobago yesterday and observed shortages of key supplies, with cement notably unavailable at a number of outlets. One businessman said he had implemented reduced working hours for staff in an effort to avoid layoffs.

Chairman of the Tobago arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Curtis Williams says developments affecting the inter-island sea bridge are cause for serious concern, coupled with a shortage of space on existing vessels to transport cargo between Trinidad and Tobago.