THE Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA) yesterday refuted claims that the theft of Guyana Telephone and Telephone (GT&T) Company Limited cables was associated with the scrap metal trade. “We would in no way encourage or condone vandalism of any sort, and we do hope that the perpetrators be caught and dealt with condignly,” GMRA said in a release.
It said government had placed a ban on the non-ferrous metals’ trade for the past four years, and this included copper, aluminum, brass and lead, among others.
“The members of GMRA are only involved in the export of ferrous metals. It is disturbing to know that whenever there is theft of copper, whether it is government or private property, it is linked to the scrap metal dealers,” the statement said.
Head of Security at GT&T, Edgar Blackman, last Thursday attributed the recent upsurge in theft of cables to resuscitation of the scrap metal trade, which was previously banned by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds.
Blackman had accompanied other officials of the telephone company on a visit to several areas in ‘B’ Field and Block ‘E’ Sophia, Greater Georgetown, where large sections of cables were cut and stolen.
He said that while government has made efforts to control the trade in the past, there is need for harsher penalties for persons caught stealing cables.
He suggested that a committee be set up, with representatives from companies most affected, to re-examine ways of controlling the scrap metal trade.
“We need to have some input. In addition, there needs to be a review of the laws as well, so that persons will be deterred from stealing the cables,” he said.