Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Dr. Norman Dunn (3rd left), and Trade Administrator, Trade Board Limited, Dr. (Maj.) Hugh Blake (4th left); along with (from left) scrap metal dealers - Barry Hibbert of Barry’s Auto; Stacy-Ann Spence of Tropical Battery Company; Anabel Roman of SB Metal Limited; and Rudolph Jones of Ronclif Company Limited, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices, during a meeting on Monday, November 15, 2021. The meeting was held to discuss concerns and the way forward for the scrap metal industry. Minister Dunn admonished the group to be vigilant in their operations to ensure stolen copper is not seeping into the formal system.
Others in attendance are Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Sancia Bennett-Templer; Senior Director, Industry Division, MIIC, Sophia Wellington; Director with Responsible for Scrap Metal Trade, Industry Division, MIIC, Clarence Frater; and Director, Licensing, Certification and Enforcement, Trade Board Limited, Althea Matthews. Other scrap metal dealers joined the meeting virtually.
Minister of State in the Industry, Investment and Commerce Ministry, Dr the Hon Norman Dunn, is urging scrap metal dealers to abide by the regulations of the industry and not accept stolen copper wires for export.
In a meeting at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on Monday, November 15, the minister noted that the ongoing theft is neither in the interests of the industry nor the country.
“Students and others who need regular connectivity, particularly during the ongoing pandemic, are at a grave disadvantage, as they lose connectivity when the wires are stolen,” the minister lamented.
“Everyone needs to abide by the rules and regulations which govern the operations of the industry to ensure that stolen copper is not seeping into the formal system. It is an important foreign exchange earner.”
For the first two quarters of the current fiscal year, the Trade Board processed 232 applications for export permits valued at approximately US$3.3 million.
Minister Dunn also encouraged the group to form an association of scrap metal traders. This, he said, will lend credence and legitimacy to their voice on issues which affect them and provide a practical way forward for their industry.
As at November 15, 2021, there are 12 scrap metal exporters, 57 carriers and 48 dealers registered with the Trade Board Limited.
The meeting with the group is intended to be held regularly to provide a forum for their concerns to be addressed. “The ministry is committed to finding the best possible solutions to your issues,” Minister Dunn told them.
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The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is described as Jamaica's "Business Ministry." It's mandate is to lead the development of policies that will create growth and jobs, while achieving social inclusion and consumer protection. The Ministry, working its stakeholders is primarily responsible for business policy development, monitoring and evaluation, while giving direction and oversight to a cluster of implementing departments and agencies.
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