By Sue-Ann Wayow
THERE is now an official ban on the exportation of scrap metal for six months.
On Monday, Attorney General Reginald Armour made the announcement at a media briefing hosted by the Ministry of National Security.
Armour said after several consultations with those affected, the urgent decision was made following a Cabinet meeting last Thursday.
But, Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Deales Allan Ferguson is threatening to take legal action against this decision.
He said Cabinet has authorised a Prohibition Order pursuant to Section 44 of the Customs Act to ban the exportation of old scrap metal and scrap metal generally and the Order was issued on Friday.
“It is now in effect and will last for six months until the 23rd of February, 2023,” Armour said.
According to the Order, the sale of old scrap metal is prohibited except by manufacturer’s licensed by the minister with responsibility for trade.
Armour also made the recommendation that after three months, he will bring a further note for Cabinet’s consideration with a review and analysis of the current legislation pertaining to the old metals industry along with a review of regional and international legislation and to make recommendations to specific amendments.
That recommendation was also accepted by Cabinet.
He is hoping that after the first three months, that with proper regularisation, the six-month ban could be decreased.
Armour described the situation as “a very significant crisis that is facing Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said the escalation of the unlawful activity in the last four months was a serious dent in the legitimate and vastly important industry.
Armour said, “Our very national security infrastructure in the public utilities is being undermined by the theft of copper and very important metals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals which are the lifeblood of our infrastructure that produce our electricity, that produce our communications.”
He added, “What we have been experiencing for the past several months has been a wonton assault on our National Security infrastructure at levels that are unprecedented.”
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said since 2020, over 200 cable theft incidents were reported to the police for cable theft including 162 for this year alone.
He said while in the past, persons were grateful for scrap iron trucks as they assisted in cleaning the environment, the trade has evolved into something more sinister with criminal gangs operating internationally.
“The government is now obliged to take a very serious view of this,” Hinds said.
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) Allan Ferguson had warned members that if they don’t get their act together, they would not be allowed to practice their trade.
TTSIDA had begun making adjustments to ensure legitimacy of materials and public awareness of the scrap iron industry.
The Government’s decision was made after thousands of people have been inconvenienced by either loss of electricity, phone or internet connection as a result of stolen cable wires, persons have died while stealing wires and the numerous reports of illegal activity to police.
