Government should slap a ban on scrap metal trade

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A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I read with interest an article in The Freeport News paper on July 20th 2011 in the Caribbean section where the industry, investment and commerce minister in Jamaica Dr. Christopher Tufton placed a ban on scrap metal export because of the high rate of copper theft in Jamaica. He was allowing the exporters to export what they had but no more trailers would be accepted at the port after a certain date. This copper theft and the damages it creates, has been effecting homes businesses, the sports complex, the local parks and the Power Company in Grand Bahama for years.

This is a problem through out the Bahamas and In my opinion, this looks like the stand the Government of the Bahamas would have to resort too because it would force the exporters to approach the Government to lift the ban but they would have to come up with a plan for the persons bringing the copper to them to have proper identification, to state exactly where the copper came from and proof of permission to remove it and what ever else they can think of to safe guard the people and places that are suffering the damages and theft on a daily basis. This would create a real hassle for the thieves and I am sure the exporters will see a tremendous drop in the items being brought  to them but the country as a whole would be better off.


Derek B. Russell-Sr
Freeport Grand Bahama

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10 COMMENTS

  1. I SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT IS BANNING THE EXPORT OF SCRAP METALS OUT OF THE BAHAMAS.THE REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THIS ARE:COOPER WIRES THAT ARE USED TO PROCTECT BTC AND BEC EQUIPMENT WERE REMOVED.BEC IS OPERATING AT A LOST THEREFORE BY REMOVING THE COPPER WIRES THIS GIVES LIGHTNING MORE CHANCES OF DAMAGING THEIR EQUIPMENT.WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE ONLY WAY FOR BEC TO OPERATE ABOVE THE RED LINE IS TO INCREASED THE RATE ON THE COST OF POWER TO ITS CONSUMERS.THIS ALSO APPLIES TO BTC.COPPER WIRES ARE USED TO GROUND BTC’S EQUIPMENT AND GSM TOWERS FOR CELLULAR AND LANDLINE SERVICES.

  2. this post is so stupid the vast majortiy of these people are hard working people who are trying to make an honest living by going into the bushes to try and find scrap metal to make a living.It is people like you who are trying to turn persons into criminals.At least they are able to put food on the table and still maintain their dignity. HATERS

    • Come to think of it Pratty, it’s a valid point. Removing all the scrap metals, with special preference to those dilapidated vehicles isn’t a bad thing. No longer would persons from the Dept of Env. Health have to spray those that dreaded “D.O.E.H. REMOVE IN 30 DAYS”. Just move the vehicle one time, give it to the scrappers and get paid for it. We have no use for the metal here in the Bahamas, just get rid of it and take whatever few dollars comes along with it.

  3. I wouldn’t say ban any export but the Government should educate themselves and regulate all exports from our country. The rock which is also a precious natural resource is being exported daily in large tonnage. Certain people are making millions and the government has no idea what to do. Tax these people if anything which is natural is being sent out of our country. We still believe in making foreigners rich while our people suffer. Eventually the environment will take back what belongs to it and the people would have no way of replacing it. Government, which never collected any revenue in reference to these commodities will have to make up for it never having made these environmental destructionists pay for destroying our natural resources while getting rich then eventually leaving the country.

  4. Having a one man do nothing Govt does not assist with the problem as they seem intent to just let everything get out of whack.It would be interesting to see just who the beneficiaries of these exporting companies are.This do nothing Govt saw fit to go on summer break without even trying to put regulation in place to curtail the many discrepancies involved in this industry.For being so wutless it is incumbent on the Bahamian people to vote them out of office.

  5. Hmmm, sounds like an excellent plan. While we are at it, let’s also ban all the “Cash For Gold”, “Cash For Silver”, “Cash For Copper”, “Cash For This and Dat” going on in this lil Bahamas. Don’t forget the numbers places! If da gov’ment ain’t serious about those business ventures, do you seriously think that they will intervene and stop the “Cash for Scrap Metal” trade?

    Do you know how much monies will be donated to these politican entities from the same businesses during election time? Please, this is the Bahamas and as the motto goes, “It’s Better in the Bahamas… For Everyone” 🙂

  6. I do agree with the writer that there need to be a band on scrap metal. Photos should be taken along with the items brought in exchange of cash. Look at the amount of housebreaking and robberies done over the years. Its because gold ( a precious comodity) is also being offered as exchange to the public. The joneses do not have it legally but they know how to get it and it is simply causing hardship on homeowners and our citizens. There must be a ban on these items.

  7. Excellent idea. The severity of the problem especially on contractors is understated. I had a home already wired and the theives pull the wire out of the walls. I will venture to say that 95% of the copper been exported is stolen. Legislation banning all copper sale or individuals needing a permit from the police to take their copper to the dealer will curb the problem. Something need to be done.

  8. Seems dumb to ban and entire industry because of one item (cooper), why not just ban the trade of COPPER, and fine (with enforcements) the metal traders. If you’ve ever really SEEN the metal trade industry in nassau, copper is not the primary item

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