Scrap metal trade on for reopening this month

The assessments on the three multi-user sites designated as part of the revamped scrap metal trade is not yet complete, but Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton says its re-opening this month is still on track.

Speaking with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre this afternoon, Minister Hylton said he expects to get the report from the team, comprising the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) and the Department of Customs, this week.

The FCJ took over operation of the sites earlier this month and has been conducting inspections and other preparatory work with the Department of Customs and the police to bring the sites up to the required standard. The sites are C & M Recycling and David Scrap Limited in Kingston and Kurbiton Recycling in Clarendon.

The trade and investment minister says he is standing by his announcement late last year that the trade will re-open this month.

FCJ Chairman Clive Fagan has described the process of preparing the sites as "rigorous" and has said the infrastructure, systems and technological support are in place to ensure the efficient operation of the trade.

Despite calls from a wide cross section of the society to ban the trade in scrap metal, Minister Hylton has also maintained that all efforts have been made to ensure the new trade is tightly operated with stringent regulations and appropriate penalties for non-compliance.