Appropriate Regulations to be Establish to Govern Scrap Metal Trade

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton has announced that subject to the implementation of appropriate regulation, the ban on the scrap metal trade may be lifted.

While not setting out a timetable for the process that would culminate with the resumption of scrap metal exports, he disclosed that already, the Ministry is in dialogue with stakeholders in order to ensure “agreement about the way forward."

The Minister made the disclosure during a media briefing at the Ministry's New Kingston headquarters on Tuesday (February 28).

Emphasising the need for due process in arriving at an effective regulatory and enforcement framework, the Minister said, “We will, therefore, seek appropriate regulation, if that is at all possible at this time. This is with a view to stimulate the allied activities and jobs in welding, bodywork and other mechanical operations to contribute to the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) on a sustained basis."

He said despite the challenges in restarting the trade, the Government believes that, “as a matter of philosophy, to prohibit certain business activities in a globalised world is not the smartest way to approach it".

Scrap metal export was suspended last year following the high incidences of theft of billions of dollars worth of metal structures.

By Allan Brooks, JIS Senior Reporter