Scrap metal trade reopens Monday

Livern Barrett, Gleaner Writer

The Government this morning announced that the scrap metal trade will be re-opened on Monday.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony Hylton said two of the three central sites are ready to start receiving scrap metal for export.

Hylton said work is also being done at the other site and it should be ready by Monday as well.

He was speaking at a press conference this morning where he outlined some of the new regulations that will guide the trade.

The industry minister said he is confident that there are sufficient safeguards to ensure that there is order in the industry.

The multi-million dollar scrap metal trade was suspended in 2011 by then industry minister Christopher Tufton.

The suspension of the trade came in the wake of the widespread theft of metallic items from public and private sector companies as well as private residents.

Minister Hylton said the government will undertake a review of the trade in six months and warns that if it is not satisfied there are several options available to address them.

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livern.barrett@gleanerjm.com