Despite giving no definitive date for the reopening of the scrap metal trade, there are indications the government is currently negotiating leases for the use of three properties as inspection sites.

The President of the association, Jonathan Aarons, has disclosed that some members are currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Industry and the Factories Corporation of Jamaica.

He said they met with both governmental bodies yesterday with the aim of finalising the leases.

The Federation proposed the use of regional sites as an interim measure for the speedy resumption of the trade.

The government had originally said a central processing and loading site was a key component to the reform and regulation of the industry.

However, following negotiations, the ministry informed the federation that four of their proposed regional sites had met its basic criteria.

The ministry has made it clear that there is still work to be done to bring those sites up to the standards required.

It said only three of the four regional sites would be selected.

Aarons said no commitment has been given about the resumption of the trade, but he is happy they’re continuing the process of negotiations.

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