VICE-PRESIDENT OF The Jamaica Gasolene and Retailers' Association (JGRA), Errol Edwards, says some of the gas stations that the authorities say are operating without relevant licences are not members of the association.Four petrol stations were ordered closed by the police and four owners prosecuted in a drive, which began on Thursday.
Mr. Edwards says the authorities have claimed that 90 per cent of the gas stations in the Corporate Area are operating without a licence.
However, while not being able to give specific figures, he says a number of gas stations, which the authorities say are non-compliant, are not members of the JGRA, but are operated by international marketing companies.
Mr. Edwards also says the JGRA is concerned that the association was not advised before the four gas stations in the Corporate Area were shut down and the operators prosecuted.
Mr. Edwards says it would have been more appropriate for the association to be advised of the breaches and the gas station operators given a deadline within which to comply.
He says he hopes that the association would be able to meet with Minister of Commerce Phillip Paulwell early next week to discuss the recent developments.
