By Sue-Ann Wayow
YOU must comply with the law or else.
This was the firm warning from President of the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) Allan Ferguson to his members on Tuesday.
Speaking at a media conference at Signature Hall, Montrose, Chaguanas, Ferguson said when the new regulatory legislation regarding the industry was proclaimed by the President, TTSIDA itself will contact the police with information on any dealer operating illegally.
In addition to state-appointed inspectors, TTSIDA will have its own team of inspectors to closely monitor the industry locally and internationally.
It is not the first time that Ferguson had strong words for persons in the scrap metal industry especially with the increase in theft and interference of cable wires, manhole covers, pumps and other iron, steel and copper material.
It was for that reason that the exportation on scrap iron was banned for six months last year August by Government.
Then in December, the 2022 Scrap Metal Bill was passed in Parliament and is yet to be proclaimed.
Ferguson said, “We need to change. Change is hard for people but if we want to improve this industry, if we want to show Trinidad and Tobago that we make change, if we want to let the world know that we make change in this industry, there is where we need to start from.”
Speaking about the international buyers, Ferguson said, “Some of them are members and we welcome that, but if they not following the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, I cannot prop them up.
“They want to buy anything, they don’t care if it is manhole cover or pipe – whatever it is, from whatever agency. Thousands were on the breadline because of them. When the industry shuts down forever, they can easily go to another country and it is we who have to suffer the pain.”
Most of them actually caused the problem the TTSIDA was in currently, Ferguson said.
To the dealers, he said, “Our association will be putting out a team to manage and make sure and watch you all. We will be making sure we have a direct number to the Commissioner of Police to make sure what take place before can’t take place again. I don’t care who vex because it is thousands of people who was calling me to be able to get ah food. I can’t take that again.”
“If you were involved in buying stolen goods, forget it! If you send containers to operators without licenses, I will send the police to your house personally,” Ferguson warned.
The TTSIDA’s President also asked the public not to assist illegal activities by conducting transactions with unregistered scrap iron dealers and unprofessional truck driver or operator as the association seeks to also raise the standard of their industry.
“You need to conduct yourself as a professional collecting this material,” Ferguson told collectors.
This included the way they dressed while on duty.
“I am telling Trinidad and Tobago, do not purchase from them, do not sell them no material unless they are in a proper conduct. All companies, all householders, do not give no van men no material unless they in a proper way because you will be encouraging lawlessness again.”
Dealers will now have registration stickers on their vehicles or other legitimate documents to show they are licensed and registered.
These stickers would be available within the next two days, in areas such as Point Fortin, Arima and Claxton Bay.
