President Bharrat Jagdeo has acquiesced to the request of scrap metal dealers that 132 containers loaded with scrap metals be released from wharves for export, even though the ban on the trade remains.
President Bharrat Jagdeo in discussion with scrap metal dealers
The containers have been sitting on the wharves for the last six months after the government had instituted yet another ban on trade of non-ferrous scrap metal, including brass, copper and aluminium, following more reports of vandalism.
In April, the Office of the Prime Minister had announced the suspension.
On Friday, Guyana Metal Recyclers Association executive Desmond Sears led a delegation of dealers to a meeting with President Jagdeo at the Office of the President for dialogue on the issue.
The head of state had lamented the fact that vandalism has become an intolerable situation. Sears said this issue is being addressed through the scrap metal association’s collaboration with utilities and other stakeholders. Sears told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that consideration has also been given for the release of about 15,000 tonnes of metals still locked away in various yards after a process of verification.
Vandalism on various private and state properties and commercial building sites had been widespread resulting in damage to property belonging to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) site at the Lama Conservancy, the pumping facility of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the rails around church yards and accessible burial grounds.
In 2007, the Old Metal Dealers’ Act was amended granting government the authority the scrap metal trade, enabling it to impose fines and criminal charges if necessary.
