The Editor, Sir:

As the export of scrap metal remains a big area of concern for many people, we are confused as to the future of the trade nobody in authority has asked themselves where all the manhole covers, fence spikes and most of all the traditional 'dutchies', famous in every Jamaican household are manufactured. They are made in our own backyards, by those who cannot afford to erect a small shop, of course.

This trade and line of business is very popular. We offer employment to hundreds of people, who reside in the garrison areas and we also offer students from various schools job experience. This is a trade that was dominated by men but women have now ventured into this and are improving with technology.

Supplying hardware

We supply hardware stores with manhole covers, basin brackets, septic drains, even block factories with column, ballister, fence moulds; hotels with patio chairs and tables; plazas with lamp shades; housewives with coal pots, spoons, forks and stove burners to name a few. Scrap aluminium is used for this kind of business.

This trade came on stream in 1946, but became full-fledged when Caribbean Casting opened its doors in Jamaica, although scrap iron was its speciality. Yet, the men they employed from the garrison areas tried their hands at scrap aluminium, which they found easier to melt. When Caribbean Casting closed its doors, a Mr Parker took his expertise to Waterhouse and to its men. This spread in the other garrison areas and to rural ones as well.

Moulding invention

Moulders started to manufacture pots and supplied local business people by truckloads. The Japanese came here and started buying coal pots and shipping them abroad. This dwindled, however, in 2004 when the export of scrap metal began to grow significantly. Soon, we had to begin closing the doors of the shops one by one, as we were unable to meet the demands of the exporters and the high prices they were willing to pay. When an order was given to us, prior to this, we could supply our customers within four days, depending on the size of the order. Alas, now if an order is given, we take up to 10 weeks and have to ask our customers to give us additional time because of a lack of raw material. Imagine the hurt we face with workers to be paid. Usually, this is the happiest time in the ghetto when moulders collect their pay.

Vandalism and theft

When Mr Samuda placed a stop order on this because of vandalism/theft a few months ago, we were able to purchase at the price we could afford as nobody was sure if it would be lifted. I can tell you, Mr Editor, never in all the years of moulding has theft/vandalism been reported or even heard of. Why? With all the moulders in Jamaica, we can never, for this lifetime, buy in bulk, tons upon tons of metal. So there has never been any reason to destroy our country for raw material, let alone vandalise it.

Once the ban was lifted though, the woes began again, A few weeks ago it was again lifted and we had food to eat, bills could be paid, kids could go to school, graduation packages could be collected and men could go to work. Street side planning to "seek a food" unlawfully could be placed on the back burner but, Sir, come July 15, 2008, the woes will begin again.

We do not have the resources to recycle scrap iron/copper. Therefore, the exporters can export these; but, please, Mr Minister, organise an alternative for us. Otherwise this trade is going to die a fast death and there will be too many mouths to feed, and when ghetto people are hungry, there is no telling what we will do for survival.

We were once the most valid customers for the sellers of scrap aluminium in Riverton City.

Please, Mr Samuda, a meeting with you and a chosen panel would help us to continue living independently. Thanks for your early response.

I am, etc.,

BLASENT GREEN(Miss)

sandloomcasting@yahoo.com

for Moulders in Jamaica.