Scrap metal dealers have agreed to allow Police and Customs Officers to be present while their containers are being packed for shipment. This was one of the conclusions coming from a meeting held on Wednesday 11 July, in St George's, with scrap metal dealers and Government officials to discuss concerns and to address issues relating to the scrap metal trade. The meeting identified the need for the presence of Police and Customs Officers, as an immediate measure to ensure that artefacts, which form part of Grenada's cultural heritage, and stolen items, do not leave the country. A number of dealers together with other interested persons attended the meeting which was chaired by Hon. Glynis Roberts, Minister for the Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development. Minister Roberts said it was important for the Ministry to bring everyone onboard to discuss the issues and chart the way forward. She noted the negative impact that the disbanding of metals can have on the environment, if not handled properly. "As we try to clean up the environment which is a welcomed move, we also need to preserve and conserve what is important to us", Minister Roberts told the meeting. The Environment and Trade Minister emphasized the importance of history to Grenada's tourism product and said that artefacts are valuable assets that cannot be replaced. "Tourism spans different angles, whether it is bird watching or century's old traditions", she explained. The problems faced by homeowners, utility companies and government, due to the unauthorized removal of property were also raised as cause for concern. Another recommendation coming out of the meeting was the formation of an association of scrap metal dealers and suppliers as a means to regulate the trade. It was deemed that with an association and licensing of dealers and suppliers will make them accountable for the items they export and bring about some control on how the trade is done. The dealers expressed their appreciation that such a meeting was called and pledged their support to do what is necessary to partner with government for the continuance of their trade. Representatives from the ministries of Tourism and Works, Royal Grenada Police Force, Customs Department and Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority were also at the meeting.