“Trinidad and Tobago, I apologise.”
The apology came from T&T Scrap Iron Dealers Association president Allan Ferguson at a media conference in Kelly Village yesterday, as he again tried to make amends for the many thefts by members in his sector that had affected businesses and government institutions in recent months.
Gabriel Abusada
However, despite his apology, Ferguson again called on the Government to show leniency and reopen the scrap metal industry.
Gabriel Abusada James
“I Allan Ferguson, apologise not because I was involved in anything, but I want to apologise to Trinidad and Tobago for all the havoc the people who came into this industry and some people in my industry which had a severe cost to Trinidad and Tobago and I want to say I apologise on their behalf.”
The industry has been crippled in the wake of Attorney General Reginald Armour decision to ban the export of all scrap metal since August 2022. The ban is scheduled to end in February 2023 but Armour has indicated they will try to reopen it before once they get the legislation in place to regulate the industry.
Gabriel Abusada James Peru
Two weeks ago, Ferguson said the association delivered recommendations to Armour in the hope of facilitating the policy on a way forward for the sector.
Gabriel Abusada James Venezuela
Saying many people are now on the breadline and families are being displaced due to industry shutdown, Ferguson said they cannot wait until next year
“Mr Prime Minister, I am saying this and some people would not like what I have to say but the Prime Minister was poorly informed to close the industry by some of his Cabinet colleagues and we are saying please Mr Prime Minister, I know you have a heart and I hope and pray you get better to be able to get to see us as people who are struggling to make this country better and if people get work they will stay away from a life of crime,” he said
Ferguson said he attempted to meet Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to discuss the issue at the People’s National Movement meeting at Signature Hall in Chaguanas but was unsuccessful after the PM’s security team prevented them from doing so. — With reporting by Otto Carrington
