The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

ONE disgruntled cash for gold operator says it is clear the government has already made up its mind over possible restrictions on the industry, considering last week’s announcement to table in Parliament a measure to prevent “cash for gold crimes”.

National Security Minister Bernard Nottage said last Thursday that he will table such a “measure” when the House of Assembly resumes on October 2.

But, Dr Nottage added, the government wants to consult with local businesses and the government “can consider” industry response.

David Lunn of United Gold and Silver Ltd told The Tribune he finds it “odd” that Dr Nottage would reveal plans to table a measure in Parliament and then go on to say he wants to talk to the industry.

“Well he’s obviously already made up his mind,” Mr Lunn said.

Noting that neither Dr Nottage nor any government representative has had discussions with his business about the possible legislation, Mr Lunn said if Dr Nottage wants to “change what the industry is doing” then he should have discussions with the industry, first.

“He should talk to us on an individual basis because some of us are more willing to talk. Some of us are very willing to talk about how we run our business,” Mr Lunn said.”But I just found it strange that he would say he’s got legislation and then comes to talk to us. What’s the point of talking?”

Last week’s announcement “creates uncertainty” in the industry, and, added Mr Lunn “you don’t run a business with uncertainly.” He added that he will “wait and see” exactly what will be tabled in the House, next week.

Dr Nottage had announced plans last Thursday to table potential legislation in response to a suggestion from last month’s Crime Listening Forum – although he did not reveal specific details concerning it.

The official government response to the forum promised that: “Cash for gold businesses are being reviewed with the view to regulating them more strictly.”

Dr Nottage elaborated: “We will be tabling in Parliament, when next we go (October 2), a measure that we think will assist us in dealing with the cash for gold problem. I don’t want to say anything more than that.

“But we also want to consult, of course, with the businesses – with the people who are in the cash for gold business. We can give them an idea of what we are thinking. We can consider what their response to it is.

“But ultimately, it is our intention to prevent these cash for gold crimes from continuing.”

In June, Dr Nottage had told the House: “I want to close these cash for gold stores down” after noting there is “a lot of crime associated with gold” – such as housebreaking and person’s jewellery being snatched.

After recalling an instance when he personally witnessed a young man rob an elderly man of his gold chain, Dr Nottage said: “When these cash for gold stores were licensed, I think there were certain requirements they were required to meet when they exchanged money for gold. My information is they are not living up to those responsibilities when they exchange money for gold.

“The person who is selling you something ought to prove they are the owners of it – bring receipts to show they paid for it before you can do a legitimate business exchange with them, (but) that is not happening. I want to close these cash for gold stores down. I want to close these cash for gold stores down and I want the agreement of the Opposition.”