— threatens to shut down industry if illegal practices continue

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has warned that licensed scrap-metal dealers found purchasing or handling illegally obtained copper will have their licences immediately cancelled, as authorities move to clamp down on copper theft and the destruction of public infrastructure.
The Ministry issued the warning on Saturday following the recent theft of approximately 90 feet of heavy-duty copper cable, valued at G$1.62 million, from the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.
In a statement, the Ministry made it clear that the persons identified in connection with the incident were not licensed scrap-metal dealers and said strong action would be taken against persons operating outside the regulatory framework.
“The Ministry is also placing all licensed scrap-metal dealers on notice: no dealer will be permitted to facilitate, purchase, sell, receive or otherwise deal in illegally obtained copper,” the statement said.
It added: “Any licensed dealer found engaging in such activities will face immediate cancellation of their licence, in addition to prosecution where applicable.”
The Ministry went further, warning that continued illegal activity could jeopardise the entire scrap-metal trade in Guyana.
“If the illegal practices within this trade continue, the Ministry will not hesitate to take the necessary steps to cancel the scrap-metal trade altogether,” the statement said.
The warning comes one day after 39-year-old Roy Morgan, of no fixed place of abode, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to simple larceny in connection with the theft of the bridge’s copper cable.
Morgan was accused of stealing the cable between August 23 and September 1, 2026. He appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police said that following his arrest, Morgan told investigators that he sold the stolen cable to a scrap-metal operator in Albouystown.
Fifty-one-year-old Mustafid “Mustaf” Pashaw of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was subsequently charged with receiving stolen articles. He appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday and was granted G$300,000 bail.
Pashaw was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was ordered to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station on the third Friday of every month. The matter is expected to continue on October 2, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the individual accused of purchasing the copper is a repeat offender who was allegedly involved in a similar incident earlier this year. It stressed that he is not a licensed scrap-metal dealer.
“The destruction of public infrastructure and the theft or unlawful removal of private property will not be tolerated,” the Ministry declared.
The bridge incident comes amid wider concerns over copper theft and vandalism targeting critical infrastructure. Telecommunications providers have also reported disruptions to services as a result of copper cable theft, adding to concerns about the economic and public-service impact of the illegal trade.
The Ministry said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the legitimate scrap-metal industry while strengthening compliance with Guyana’s laws and regulatory requirements.
It pledged “decisive regulatory and enforcement action” against unlawful operations and persons who continue to use the scrap-metal trade as an outlet for stolen material.