The Trinidad and Tobago government has kept its promise and implemented a six-month ban on scrap iron and copper exports.
The move comes after a sharp increase in recent thefts of critical state infrastructure at water and telephone network facilities, dealing crippling blows to their ability to provide service to customers.
Attorney General Reginald Armour said, "It is a regrettable step that has been taken, but it is a step that has been recognised that it has been affecting the livelihoods of ordinary people."
Mr. Armour said the theft of copper, particularly from telecommunication companies equipment, had escalated within the last four months.
He said the widespread theft was an abuse of the industry in an attempt to convert it into a criminal enterprise and as a result Cabinet has taken the decision to enact a prohibition order for six months.
The ban was implemented last Friday and the order will be in effect until February 28, 2023.
It will now require exporters to apply for a licence through the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ply their trade.
Mr. Armour warned that those violating the order would be subject to fine and imprisonment.
The Scrap Iron Dealers Association says it is prepared to take legal action to prevent the move.
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