Cold war averted by late deal

FRIDAY, NOV. 23: A dispute that could have left the refrigerated containers at the docks without power has been resolved.

Earlier this week TC Associates boss, Tommy Chiappa, told shipping agents he was going to pull the plug on the power supply to the “reefers” because he had not been paid by Government in more than four months.

He said he would remove his huge generator that has been powering the electricity supply for four months, yesterday morning.

But he did not follow through on his threat because the two parties reached a last-minute agreement.

Yesterday he sent an email to shipping agents saying: “Please be advised that we have received confirmation of remittance from the office of the Accountant General and can confirm that our services will continue at the Port without interruption.

“T. C. Associates Ltd once again apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

He told the Bermuda Sun: “I would like to state for the record that we did not approach the Bermuda Sun regarding this private matter as some people have suggested and would like to publicly apologise to any and all importers who had concerns with regards to the decision we made Monday evening to discontinue our services at the Port.

“Prior to making this decision we had exhausted all other avenues as it relates to a resolution.

“We have today received satisfactory confirmation from the office of the Accountant General and can confirm that our services will continue at the Port without interruption.

“T. C. Associates Ltd once again apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

The banks of refrigerated containers were moved several months ago to make way for the X-Ray machine at Hamilton Docks.

They had previously been positioned close to the new entrance at Number 7 gate.

Now they can be found near the old Number 8 gate entrance, opposite Seon Place.

But because the X-Ray project has run behind schedule and there is still no permanent power supply to the new location of the refrigerated containers.

As a result Mr Chiappa’s generator has been used to produce the power needed to keep them cool since June.

Despite a request for comment, Government had not responded by the time we went to press.