-traders call for gov’t to curb increase in illegal trade

THE Ministry of Business has indicated that they are working towards a November, 2016 target for the completion of comprehensive reforms and resumption of the scrap-metal trade.In a letter to the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA), Minister Dominic Gaskin said that following the audit report on the scrap metal industry in December last year, it was realised that reforms, which include legislative amendments, new regulations and the application of smart solutions in monitoring the trade, are needed.
Hence, in their attempt to expedite re-opening of the trade earlier this year, the ministry developed a proposal in consultation with the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA). However, after being taken to cabinet for approval on April 5, 2016, it was deferred to accommodate wider consultations.
Gaskin said another proposal will be made to Cabinet within two weeks, and until then they cannot commit to an exact date for the resumption of trading.
Since last year September, the association has been engaging the ministry on the resumption of exports. A representation to Cabinet in December 2015 resulted in the exportation of all containers of scrap metal, packed prior to the suspension, which had been waiting to be shipped.
“I do understand the hardships that metal dealers are facing and my earlier commitment to resolve the matter still stands. However, we cannot resume under the same terms and conditions which previously prevailed and expect to achieve a different result,” Gaskin stated.
Further, he asked the GMRA for their patience and understanding as they conclude their work on the reforms.
Meanwhile, in response to the ministry’s letter, the GMRA noted that the scrap-metal trade was closed on June 15, 2015, to accommodate the forensic audit which was completed December, 2015.
It stated that before the closure of the trade in June 2015, the management of the scrap-metal trade in Guyana was second to none in the world, but since the closure “total lawlessness” has taken over.
The association alleged that the trading in non-ferrous scrap metal has continued 100 percent since the closure and all such metals are collected and smuggled out through the country’s ports or to Suriname.
It was further hinted that there was no need for the government to continue suspension of the trade after the audit was completed.
“The trade could have been re-opened, while government would have been [sic] working to make new legislation.
The hardships and suffering to thousands of our citizens who depend on this trade for a living could have been avoided, as well as the lawlessness that the closure has created.”
The GMRA has blamed the ministry for closing the legal trade, while allegedly allowing the illegal trade to flourish.
Hence, they called on the minister to curb the illegal trade as soon as possible.