2009-12-23
ONE-OFF MEASURE TO CLEAR WHARVES
Press Conference
Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, and (centre) makes a point during a press conference held at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on Tuesday, December 22 to discuss measures relating to over-aged and damaged vehicles. Mr. Samuda is flanked by State Minister, Hon. Michael Stern (left) and Permanent Secretary, Reginald Budhan.
In an effort to ease the congestion on the country’s wharves, Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce Karl Samuda has directed the Trade Board to issue the necessary licences to facilitate clearance of nearly 300 over-aged and damaged vehicles within the next six weeks.
The Minister emphasized that this a ‘one-off’ measure expected to improve the wharves’ efficiencies once the 159 damaged and 137 over-aged motor vehicles are removed.
Mr. Samuda told a Press Conference at his offices this morning that the same ‘one-off’ consideration is being applied to over 6000 used tyres currently on the wharves. Accordingly, he has instructed that these be cleared, subject to appropriate Bureau of Standards inspection and compliance.
He said normal Custom duties will apply in each case, and that consideration will be given to vehicles and tyres which were en route prior to today’s announcement. Mr. Samuda pointed out that once the wharves have been cleared, Government will revert to the rigid application of the rules and regulations governing the importation of motor vehicles.
The Industry and Commerce Minister noted that the decisions announced today, were also taken in light of the economic difficulties being faced by many, and in response to numerous appeals to his Ministry to consider facilitating clearance for the vehicles, which, in some instances, had minimally breached the over-aged limit.
The Minister stated further that the Bureau of Standards is developing a standards and a regulatory framework that will government the importation of used tyres.