EDITORIAL - Overhaul scrap-metal sector for good

For scrap-metal thieves, nothing appears to be out of bounds. Not even the dead. The country has been wrestling with this problem for many years and it seems that we are now facing an epidemic.

This week, we heard about the desecration of graves in the centuries-old May Pen cemetery. A shocked nation wonders what kind of person would raid the dead. To right-thinking people, such action is beyond contempt and comprehension and points to a deep level of depravity.

There are also continuing cries from utilities companies and the Jamaica Railway Corporation, which have been suffering record levels of theft as scavengers gnaw away at the country's infrastructure. And lest we look on like disinterested spectators, let's not forget that it is the taxpayers who must bear the cost of replacing these items. Also, when service is disrupted because of theft of, say, telephone cables, it is the innocent who are inconvenienced.

Scrap-metal prices have soared on the world market with rising demand within the metal-recycling business. The main reason is that scrap metal reduces greenhouse gas emissions by requiring less energy to manufacture products from recyclable ore instead of virgin ore.

Railway lines, manhole covers and metal gratings, copper cables ripped from their moorings - where will it end? Sadly, it could end with people losing their lives by being swallowed by the gaping manholes left behind or burned by exposed wires. Today, there are more urgent calls for the industry to be permanently shut down.

Tough job

Dr Christopher Tufton, the newly appointed minister of industry, investment and commerce, has a tough job on his hands to bring order to the trade, and he has already met with key players in the sector. It is obvious that the country needs to develop a stronger line of defence against metal thieves.

Suggestions by dealers that the Government cut the number of exporters and reduce the number of export points, as well as introduce video surveillance, may seem like useful solutions to foil the illegal sale of scrap metal.

However, it is missing one important link in the chain of the scrap-metal trade, and that is the seller. What steps have the dealers taken to ensure that the seller is authorised to take the scrap to market? Do they demand receipts to satisfy themselves that a legitimate purchase has been made? Are efforts made to secure the identity of the seller? Do they keep proper records that can stand up to scrutiny?

What about dealers agreeing to cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious transactions? Could there be a move to make the trade a cashless system so that sellers would have to establish legitimacy by operating through the banks?

If we are to continue to be involved in this trade, the legislature needs to enact more stringent laws that will give the police greater powers to clamp down on rogues and will also mete out harsh punishment to convicted metal thieves.

Earlier this week, two containers were seized with stolen metal ready for market. Few doubt that more will follow in its wake unless urgent action is taken to deal with the thieves.

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