Massy Stores said it has removed Ramsaran’s Dairy Products from its shelves.
A company representative confirmed to Loop News that the products were removed today after feedback from customers.
The company said that it values all customer feedback and seeks to align with partners who share their values:
‘Massy Stores Trinidad operates as a responsible retailer and we make every effort to align ourselves with partners who hold similar values.’
‘We have listened to our customers and have taken a decision to remove Ramsaran’s products from our shelves at this time and temporarily suspend ordering of this product.’
Over the past few days, several comments were made online over a Facebook post which many said was racist in nature.
It is alleged that the woman is part of a family-run local beverage business – calls have been made online to boycott the company.
The woman’s comments, which were circulated online following the results of Monday’s General Election mentioned ‘hardworking UNC supporters’ and referred to the ‘loafers that support the PNM’.
She said: “I hope (Dr) Rowley starts putting contraceptives in their water supply yes because these cockroaches keep populating and the only thing they know to do is vote.’
According to screenshots which were shared Tuesday, the woman apologised for her comments to the public, the beverage company and her family.
‘To clarify the content of the screenshots, they were posted out of anger and in response to years of racial discrimination and criminal acts against myself and my family in the last few years.’
‘I understand that does not justify my reaction but I do hope that you can accept my apology and respect my family and their business’ privacy by not defaming them or the business.’
She said it was never her intention to engage in or promote any form or racism.
However comments online were varied:
One man said: ‘Never in my life will this cockroach purchase a (beverage).’
However another commented: ‘I will continue to buy because (the owner) is a decent human being who I interacted with for years and I find to be a really nice person. I cannot hurt his business because his daughter is an as*hole.’
Another said: ‘I strongly encourage Afro-Trinis to boycott this business and learn to make their own punch. Apology or not, we know what’s in her mind.’
One man said: ‘I loved (those beverages) from ever since I was small that’s over 45 years now….but as of today I will no longer be buying any of their products anymore.’
Many Trinidadians have since made statements online condemning these hateful attacks and calling for unity.
(Source: Loop TT)