President of the Scrap Iron Dealers Association, Allan Ferguson, is again calling for a meeting with Government as scrap metal dealers have not been getting their containers inspected.
This, he listed as one of the many stresses experienced by workers within the industry who had families during a press conference yesterday.
He said they lost homes as they were unable to pay their rents while they have lost cars, vans and other equipment.
He listed that yards in Point Fortin, Penal, Claxton Bay and Arima were unable to re-open.
The association head said although some members have been granted export licences “legislation requires inspections to take place given the required notices but as of Monday there have been no inspections.”
They want the government to appoint a single point of responsibility to fully ensure that they have the necessary administration to facilitate, check and ensure that full compliance is being practised.
This will allow exports to begin so that yards can re-open and begin purchasing scrap metals stored and accumulated since the shutting down of the industry in August 2022.
Ferguson said that the industry is “doing a good for climate change and employment”.
“We are not asking for nothing but a chance to work hard.
“Thousands of people remain out of work,” said Ferguson.
Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has promised to investigate reports that dealers have not been getting their containers inspected.
COMMENTS