Senate passes Petrol Act By Lynford Simpson,
Staff Reporter
THE GOVERNMENT yesterday took another step towards stamping out the multimillion dollar illegal petrol trade, with the passage of the Petroleum Quality Control Act in the Senate. Piloted by Senator Burchell Whiteman, Minister of Education and Culture, the Bill which also provides for compulsory insurance of drivers and liability for damage resulting from the conveyance of petrol was passed with one amendment. There was support from both sides of the Senate, although Opposition Senator Anthony Johnson had reservations about whether the increased fines (from $50,000 to $1 million) for most breaches will be an effective deterrent. "In my view, passing the Bill and increasing the fines will have absolutely no effect on the problem that we are having. The problem is one of control," he said. He questioned whether the Government was prepared to deal with the matter since the police claim they "have their hands tied". According to Senator Johnson, passing the law and increasing the fines was the easy part, as enforcement would be critical. Senator Whiteman admitted the increase in the fines at this time was triggered by a number of recent fires at illegal operations. He explained that the insurance coverage would provide some protection to third parties, injured as a result of the activities of petroleum dealers. There will be two pieces of accompanying legislation, the Petroleum Conveyance Act and the Petroleum Marketing Franchise Act. Senator Oswald Harding (JLP) supported the Bill but expressed concern at the level of insurance that is required. He noted that in the event of a loss of life, the premiums would be horrendous. He said it was perhaps time for regional governments to again visit the issue of re-insurance, since any Jamaican company that provides this kind of insurance would have to re-insure abroad. Senator Peter McConnell (JLP) argued that the Bill did not go far enough and was perhaps targeted at the wrong people. He suggested tanker drivers be brought under the Essential Services Act to prevent them from going on "wildcat strikes" or holding the country to ransom with the threat of a strike.
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