Post-China-earthquake repercussions on Trinidad and Tobago.

No doubt, we join the international community in commiserating with the Chinese over their losses caused by last night's massive earthquake which hit central China.

In the aftermath, we now must brace ourselves for the repercussions: another round of increases in the price of building components and food.

Dujiangyan, southwest China.
Rescuers search the rubble of a collapsed school where six children died.
Picture: AFP/Getty Images

We must brace, also, for an immediate and dramatic reduction in the inflow of Chinese unskilled and skilled workers as that country redirects all resources inwards, the better to cope with post-earthquake relief and rebuilding efforts.