Today, a Government Cabinet Sub-Committee, consisting of the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart R Young Chairman), the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator Reginald Armour S.C, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, and the Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Hinds (who joined virtually), met with the members of the Scrap Iron Dealers Association Executive, led by their President Mr. Allan Ferguson at the MEEI, Tower C, International Waterfront Centre to discuss the plaguing issue of theft relating to the scrap iron industry.
The Government Committee had asked the Association for its comments and strategies to combat the problem of widespread theft of metals taking place.
Mr. Ferguson presented to the Committee a proposal of temporary measures recommended by the Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association to address the theft of scrap metals. The Government Committee received the suggestions and indicated that the Government will have to take urgent action to address the criminality and criminal elements plaguing the sector as the increased levels of wanton theft are presenting serious national security risks.
The Committee indicated the Government’s willingness to continue working with the Association on the development and implementation of revised regulations and policies to regulate the industry and address the criminal activity taking place.
However it was emphasised that urgent action is required to address the existing situation and that the Government will take the appropriate urgent action to arrest the problems associated with the widespread theft of metal items taking place throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
The meeting was a productive and useful one.