SCRAP METAL DEALER’S LICENCE REVOKED

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda has revoked the licence of scrap metal dealer, Wilbert Castro, operator of Images Design and Recycling located at 24 King Street, Linstead, for breaches of Regulation 22 of the Scrap Metal Regulations 2007.

The dealer was arrested and charged on April 5, with receiving stolen property -- some 433 pounds of copper wire owned by Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited, valued at J$2 million. A statement from the police said the cable wire was purchased by the dealer for J$32,000.

According to Minister Samuda, “the Notice of Revocation”, which became effective on June 2, 2008, requires that the dealer cease and desist all dealings in scrap metal. He stated, however, that under the Regulations the dealer may apply in writing to be heard on the matter within 14 days of the effective date of the Notice.

The Minister gave a strong warning during and prior to his budget presentation on May 13 that he would not hesitate to revoke the licence of any scrap metal dealer found with stolen property.

Minister Samuda has also commended the Island Special Constabulary Force for the quick action taken in the recovery of the stolen cable wires and for the thorough investigation carried out in the arrest of those persons involved.