WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao is facing a looming fireworks shortage this year. This has been confirmed by Sabir Attaf, one of the largest fireworks importers on the island. Logistic issues, primarily at the port of Jamaica, are at the root of this situation. According to Attaf, the owner of Alivio, a company specializing in holiday products including Christmas trees, decorations, and fireworks, the main cause of the shortage is the increasing congestion at the port of Jamaica.
Large ships from China, which typically call at Venezuelan ports, are now avoiding them and opting for Jamaica as an alternative docking location. This has significantly increased container traffic in Jamaica, leading the port to reach its maximum capacity.
The situation means that ships carrying fireworks cannot unload at the port. Attaf explains that by the time Jamaica reopens its port for this type of cargo, it will already be November.
Too Late
According to him, this is too late to get the fireworks containers to Curaçao in time for the New Year’s celebrations. “The containers will only arrive in January, and no one is going to buy fireworks just to sell them later. This means a lot of money will be tied up,” he warns.
Additionally, Attaf points out the permits issued by the government for the importation of fireworks, which he says are being provided too late. Given all the complications, he expects a serious shortage of fireworks on Curaçao. “I don’t know how other importers are doing, but I believe we are all in the same boat, and it’s also not possible to source fireworks from other destinations,” Attaf said.
What will be sold on the local market this year is primarily leftover stock from last year’s import. This applies to all types of fireworks, including firecrackers, which will also be scarce, he adds.
Christmas Trees
As for Christmas trees, Attaf does not anticipate any problems. These come from Canada and are transported through different routes and ports. Although there were earlier fears of delays due to a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) at ports along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, this now seems to be off the table.
Two days after the strike began on October 1, the ILA suspended the action until January due to positive developments in the negotiations. A preliminary agreement on a wage increase has been reached, and workers will return at least until January 15, when negotiations will resume.