– elect new executiveThe Guyana Scrap Metal Dealers Association (GCMDA), currently facing a crisis after Government banned exports last week in the wake of an increase in vandalism, says that it wants to propose a legislative framework that will assist in managing the industry.The association made the revelations yesterday in a statement which also announced that a new Executive Committee was elected on Monday to serve, until the next Annual General Meeting.The new President is Alfred Branche with Amar Samaroo the Vice President. Also elected were Michael Benjamin, Secretary; Treasurer- Shalini Diaz; with the Committee Members being Joseph Baskarran, Percy Cole,Wholesale China Jerseys, Fernando Melendez and Raghu Raman.According to GSMDA, it is a trade association of scrap metal dealers in Guyana which remained a strong advocate for best practices among its members.“The association has been very instrumental in having its members adhere and comply with a Rules and Standards of Conduct Code whereby meticulous transaction records are kept, and suspicious transactions are reported to the Government of Guyana Task Force on scrap metals.”The association also said that it is in the process of commissioning a comprehensive study of the scrap metal industry in Guyana.“This study will detail the state of the industry and its contribution to the Guyana economy, industry management practices, and will propose a legislative framework to assist the Government of Guyana agencies in managing the industry. Additionally this study will look at export markets and marketing efforts of association members.”GCMDA stressed that the scrap metal industry in Guyana remains viable and vibrant, and continues to make positive contributions to the economy of Guyana.“The industry employs approximately 500 fulltime or equivalent employees. Peripheral business such as fuel, transportation, machinist and welders accounts for another 500 employees.The association members are also in full compliance of all the statutes and laws governing their industry. GSMDA is committed to the Government of Guyana goals for economic development and endeavors to do its part in nation building,” the association said in the statement.
