August 8, 2022

Why Must Peter Pay For Paul? Opposition Slams Proposed 6-Month Ban On Scrap Iron Exports

By Newsroom

Last Friday, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds announced that government has plans to impose a six-month ban on the export of scrap iron- a move to combat rampant theft across the country in recent months.

But the Opposition United National Congress argues this is not the best route to treat with the recent increase in copper and metal theft.

Opposition MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal, speaking at a UNC media conference on Monday, said legal scrap iron dealers should not be punished for the increase in theft.

“It is a critical sector that you’re closing down and you say you’re closing it down for six months when we all know there will be no regulations, no change of law, no new regime in six months. If they close they will close down for years. This is a recipe for the criminalization of Trinidad and Tobago. This will lead to further criminal activity. This will lead to a loss of income,” Moonilal said, suggesting stricter law enforcement was the more appropriate route.

“So, because we have people stealing copper wire and scrap iron from the Ministry of Works, and manhole covers, would you ban the export of that? This is the work of the police, it is the police…Their job is to ensure people don’t climb over a fence and steal in the Government building. That’s their job. Cars are being stolen. Would they ban the sale of cars?” he asked.

 

 

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