Scrap metal trading in Guyana will resume on April 8 with reinforced surveillance as government continues to assess the operations of the sector.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, made the announcement during a meeting held on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre with scr ap metal dealers, the Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, and officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority.
According to Walrond, the decision to stop scrap metal exportation was needed for a restructuring of the trade, and it will be restarted on April 8. She said through the trade’s closure the government was able to facilitate a thorough assessment of sector. The minister said that while the operation is still being assessed and restructured, cabinet has made the decision to have the trade revived with new security measures this time around. She added, “We took this long to make sure that we fill as many gaps that we saw had existed in the previous operations of the trade and we believe that it is a work in progress, but we have something that we feel that can prevent some of the banes of the existence of this industry in this sector.”
The trade was halted late September 2020 and according to the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association, Stephen Bourne, it was just after illicit drugs were discovered in a shipment of scrap metal in Belgium that originated from Guyana.
Walrond told exporters that among the new measures is the use of the only authorised location where the scrap metal must be packed. She informed that the Ministry will authorise this yard as long as it is assessed and meets the requirement which includes having 24-hour surveillance. As part of the new measures, two units have been established. One of the units is internal, within the Ministry, while the other is an external unit which will comprise officials from the Guyana Police Force, CANU, Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Ministry.
She explained that containers will be scanned in the presence of officers from the external unit and CANU officers will be required to assist with escorting the metal to the designated wharf. Walrond said that the metal will not be permitted to stay at the wharf for more than seven days. And should the container remain at the wharf for more than seven days, it will have to undergo the scanning process once again. Additionally, CANU will have to be notified before any container can be loaded with scrap metal.
Singh assured that CANU officers will be available to enforce the new measure which requires the presence of the law enforcers. “We have had this discussion before in terms what we as law providers have to do to support. We will ensure that our staff are present to supervise,” Singh told the exporters.
The minister noted that only licensed traders will be allowed to export with the reopening of the trade. There will be no issuance of new licences at this time. She also disclosed that currently, there are approximately 20 approved traders.
The exporters were provided with a document outlining the standard operation and procedures of the trade and engagement between the dealers and the Ministry. The document states that the exporters are expected to adhere to all measures and protocols. Being banned and having a licence revoked, are among the penalties which will be incurred should any trader breach the terms of the contract.
