– Granger says ban on inefficient, ‘smokey’ vehicles good for Guyana

By Ariana Gordon
THE proposed restriction on the importation of vehicles that are more than eight years old from the date of manufacture and the ban on importation of used tyres are in the best interest of the country, President David Granger has said.

The measures, announced in the budget, have been met with criticisms from the political Opposition and others.

On the Ministry of the Presidency’s weekly televised programme ‘The Public Interest’, aired on Friday, the President said developed countries will not be allowed to treat Guyana like a “junkyard.” He explained that while everyone has a right to represent his/her own interests, it must be understood that he (the President) is representing the national interest.

“The auto dealers have a right to express concerns because they feel their profits will be affected, but the Government has to think about the whole country. The point is when you bring in old vehicles, old tyres, old equipment, that (vehicle) is less efficient. It pollutes the atmosphere; it is more costly, because it requires more maintenance and more spare parts; and you get less life out of it,” President Granger said in response to a question posed on the subject.

He also said that the environment and the people suffer, and Guyana can ill afford to be on a treadmill trying to replace old equipment.

“New equipment lasts longer, and we don’t want developed countries treating us like a junkyard, selling equipment which they can’t use themselves. If they are not going to put up with it because it is inefficient and smokey, why should be put up with it?” – President Granger

“New equipment last longer, and we don’t want developed countries treating us like a junkyard, selling equipment which they can’t use themselves. If they are not going to put up with it because it is inefficient and smokey, why should be put up with it?”

He said he is not by any means attempting to shut the auto dealers up, but he noted that “I have a national interest to protect; they have a personal interest to protect.”

On January 29, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that as of May 1 this year, there will be a restriction of the importation of used and/or reconditioned vehicles, and only those under eight years old from the date of manufacture would be allowed into the country. This restriction shall be enforced from May 1, 2016. This ban will not apply to vehicles used in the manufacturing or agricultural sectors, according to legislation the Finance Minister has tabled to back up the plan.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said that the measures to be implemented by the APNU-AFC coalition Government will bring hardship on the people of Guyana;
but Finance Minister Winston Jordan has explained that Guyana is moving away from a “second hand” economy. He said that coupled with guaranteeing that the country is greener is the thrust behind Government’s move to ban the importation of used tyres, reduce the taxes on new tyres, and restrict importation of used and/or reconditioned vehicles under eight years old from the date of manufacture.

Jordan said it is clear that Guyana is becoming an environmentally-conscious country, and as such, the measures are geared at ensuring a green economy, clean environment, and ensuring that safer equipment and machinery are used by citizens.

“Take advantage of modern technology!” Jordan urged.
The decision, he said, would have long-term positive effects on the country and citizens, and as such should be embraced by all.

“There are so many cars in stock yards in this country, and I don’t know when they are going to begin to sell them, number one; and number two: there is no ban, there is a restriction on the age of the car that can come in,” Jordan clarified.