The Trinidad and Tobago Scrap Iron Dealers Association (TTSIDA) has strongly condemned the growing wave of copper theft and vandalism targeting critical public infrastructure across the country, and is calling for a temporary ban on the purchasing and export of copper while proper safeguards are put in place.

The Association raised the alarm during today’s monthly meeting of the Scrap Metal Working Group, a body appointed by the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Investment, where the escalating incidents were discussed at length.

In a statement issued following the meeting, TTSIDA recommended that authorities consider halting copper purchases and exports until adequate regulations and monitoring mechanisms are established to effectively address the problem.