Proponents of used tyres defend against planned import restriction

Dec 09, 2016 News

Following the recent announcement of the $250B Budget for 2017, it was established yet again that the Government will be moving to put a restriction of the importation of used tyres in Guyana. In the previous budget this had been

President of the Used Tyres Association, Allan Newark and President of the Minibuses Union, Eon Andrews.

highlighted. However, it was not immediately implemented, after the Used Tyres Association among other entities had signed a petition of over 200 persons and sent it to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.
Jordan, during his recent budget presentation to the National Assembly said that restriction will apply to the importation of used tyres for motor cars, vans, pickups, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and mini-buses, with effect from April 1, 2017.
The measure is part of Government’s plan to ‘green’ Guyana and protect the environment.
President of the Used Tyres Association, Allan Newark during an interview with this publication yesterday said that, “I think that is unreasonable, as a lot of people depend on these used tyres”. He said that the myth surrounding used tyres – that it is rubbish – is totally not true. “These tyres have to be checked and approved by Guyana National Bureau of Standards before being put out for sale,” Newark emphasised.
Newark asserted that the Government “does not realise how much a bus driver or a taxi driver would have to pay for a brand new tyre, this would eventually result in the drivers raising their transportation fares for them to be able to maintain new tyres”.
“What happens now when you go out and buy a new tyre and it happens to burst; now who is going to be paying for another new tyre?” Newark questioned. “The standard average price for a used tyre is $3000 whereas a new tyre price would start from minimum price of $10,000”.
Newark said that other myths surrounding used tyres is that they only last three months and are to be blamed for road accidents. He said that it is not the tyres but the drivers who are in control of tyres. Newark said that the Government wants to ban used tyres without even knowing the minimum price for a tyre. He further stated that, it would even be reasonable if when persons buy used tyres that they have a guarantee for one month that if something happens to the tyre they can acquire another one. “In many cases used tyres are tyres that were once on a brand new car that was involved in an accident.”
President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews yesterday also commented on the issue, speaking from a Union perspective. “We feel first that as a stakeholder among other stakeholders we ought to have been a part of the decision making”.
Andrews said that the used tyre business is “a real and necessary business” and has been happening worldwide. He said that used tyres require a 4mm thickness, and if when the tyres are imported and they do not meet this criterion they are to be disposed of.
Andrews said that he realized that a government has a right to govern for the benefits of its citizens. However, restricting the importation of used tyres would definitely cost minibus drivers since they are not a company; they are individuals trying to make a living. “Having to pay more on tyres would cause confusion, as the drivers would have to increase their fees for transportation.”
“It is going to cause a trickledown effect, one cannot survive in vacuum, take into consideration the commuters,” he said.
“The used tyres industry also provides employment for persons, who will eventually be out of a job.” Andrews said that he is advocating for consultation, either by survey or invitation of persons.
He said that he wants the Government to be successful and that they (stakeholders) are prepared to play the part to help them, but they can only do so if they are treated in a way that is tangible to change – if they work together and make their contributions.
Andrews asked, “How do they know the original tyre? How does one differentiate from what is new and what is used?” “I try as much as possible to represent the bread and butter of our members. The Minibus Union is in full support of their partners, The Used Tyres Association.”

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