Used Car Dealers Association appeals for discretion at Customs

The Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association is appealing to Major Richard Reese, Commissioner of Customs, to exercise flexibility regarding the placing of  overtime vehicles at the country's ports on the auction block.

   
Lynvale Hamilton, President of  the Used Car Dealers Association, has complained that the Commissioner has adopted a rigid position, that once the vehicles are placed on the auction list, they will remain until sold.

   
The Association wants dealers to be given an opportunity to clear the vehicles.

    
According to Mr. Hamilton, the law allows for discretion, and in such a "harsh economic climate," it is expected that the Commissioner of Customs should adopt a less draconian approach.

Citing the financial difficulties that some dealers face, from time to time, Mr. Hamilton told RJR News that, "if it is that the Commissioner is on a path of supporting small and medium enterprises... he would... allow dealers to clear these cars, because there's a lot that they have invested, and we do believe that they should be so considered."

 

The dealers' appeal comes amid an investigation by Customs into the release of  several vehicles which it had slated for public auction.

   
The vehicles, which ended up at three car dealerships in the Corporate Area, were seized last week and later sold.