Opposition wants government to reconsider scrap metal ban

PNP Spokesman on Investment, Industry & Commerce, Senator Mark Golding wants his government counterpart Karl Samuda to reconsider the ban imposed on the export of scrap metal.



Minister Samuda announced the ban on Monday after thieves vandalised the Colbeck Irrigation System in St. Catherine twice last week.



However, Senator Golding says while the PNP condemns the illegal activity an alternative solution could have been implemented instead of the ban.



He is adamant that such a drastic measure was not appropriate as no-one has been arrested and charged for the offences.



He says neither has Mr. Samuda given any evidence pointing to the involvement of licensed exporters in the vandalism of government infrastructure.



Senator Golding is contending that the ban on scrap metal exports has serious implications for the economy as the trade earns a significant amount of foreign exchange.



He says the closure of the industry has the potential to lead to serious social dislocation and unrest.



Senator Golding wants Mr. Samuda to hold further discussions with scrap metal dealers in an attempt to arrive at another solution to regularise the trade.