COMMENTARY: Is the Caribbean becoming a junkyard for Japanese excesses?

Camille David

Owning a personal car fifteen to twenty years ago was almost a luxury. Today, nearly every household has a car and nearly every car has an owner. More interestingly, younger and younger people are buying and owning cars. Statistics from the islands show that thousands of cars (info.japanesecartrade.com) are imported into the Caribbean from Japan annually. The ease of purchase and shipping facilitated by the internet makes the process nearly seamless. But there is a big problem.

Eight of every ten cars imported have or are nearing the age of serviceability. Many of these vehicles will retire after a few years of use with the stack reality being that they will need to be disposed of. Already many pristine local communities are becoming unsightly junkyards. There are no recycling facilities or approved holding areas to dispose of these derelict vehicles. A common practice is to abandon an old car on the roadside, backyard, beach or wherever they will not cause an immediate obstruction. Soon, Caribbean communities will look less and less like the lush green paradise they are known as and more and more like a repository of scrap junkies-imprints which clearly remind us that globalization is no longer a far away or far-fetched concept but a reality that we must be prepared to contend with. The transformation of Caribbean paradise into metal junkyards brings with it new challenges and is counter intuitive to efforts of building climate resilient societies.

Let’s set the record straight. Cars have a finite life span which depends on human use factors.  The pollution level a car emit is related to the age of the engine. The engine of a car has three phases. The first phase, the “running in” phase (0 to 6 months), emits the lowest level of pollution. The second phase, also called the normal period in the life of the engine, spans from 6 months to 15 years. At this stage the levels of pollution from the engine is quite high. In the third and final phase, 15 to 25 years, there is a sharp rise in emissions. Most of the cars imported into the region falls within the high to sharp rise category (second and third phase) leading to worrying problems for environmentalists both in terms of human health concerns and disposal of scrap metal once these cars become inoperable.

Several studies including that of the European Fuel Oxygenate Association confirm the impact of car emissions on human health and the environment. Long term exposure in humans over 30 years is known to cause premature death due to respiratory related problems. Pollution from cars is also the leading cause of bronchitis and asthma in children and adults alike. Low molecular weight compounds are irritants and can induce drowsiness and other complications whilst high molecular weight compounds are suspected of being mutagens and carcinogens. Ayayi (2002) have linked high rate of pollution in Nigeria to increased importation of used vehicles.

Unfortunately, the importation of used cars is not likely to subside unless governments enforce stricter measures and age limits. Trinidad and Tobago for example, has imposed age restriction on imported vehicles from Japan. The law states that an imported car must not be older than four years. In other islands such as the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda, there are no age limits with duties dependent on engine size and VAT and other excise taxes being applicable. The reality is that older used cars are cheap and affordable. Cash purchase rather than through loans, makes the process even more attractive. The purchase of a car under five years is still a significant financial undertaking and back and forth process with the financial institutions providing the loan service. The reality that Caribbean government must contend with is that more and more households will own used imported cars as income levels rise. So then, how can the region deal with the inevitable? How can we balance the freedom of owning a car with the need to protect the natural environment? How can we better manage the derelict vehicles scattered over the place with minimal strain on financial resources of central and local governments? There are plenty of unexplored options, tough arguments and downright simple actions that even the least educated of people can undertake. Let’s see what can be done practically and resolutely to fix this explosive environmental challenge.

First, Caribbean governments should provide more incentives to make new cars more affordable. Lowering up tight duties will very likely increase the purchase of newer cars with lower emission issues. The overall effect on human health would improve and likewise the longevity of cars removing the stress on the environment. Simply, this action is like kicking the can down the road-buying more time until a proper solution is found.

Second, the purchase of older vehicles should be twinned with training programmes in metal recycling technologies for the regions. After all, every used car shipped to the region is somewhat a quick fix for Japan. Japan is worrying less and less about how to deal with its aging vehicles as new lucrative markets for used cars open up in the Caribbean. The region should speak with an irresistible loud voice demanding investment from Japan to better manage the disposal of derelict vehicles. In an era where trade is used to leverage and protect self-interest, the Caribbean is doing very little to exploit this new opening.

Third, why should Japan not buy back the metal it shipped as cars to the region in the first place? There is no comprehensive trade policy for the region aimed at preserving highly vulnerable ecosystem in the Caribbean. The question is – who will look after the self-interest of Caribbean societies, our natural environment and health concern? It’s time to enshrine a trade policy with climate change or Caribbean national security. A prudent stance would be to recycle these metals into useful products. The large hull cargo vessels which brings the cars to the regions sail back empty, without a single made in the Caribbean commodity. This is becoming ridiculous- inactions which puts our environmental management efforts into grave peril.

Fourth and better still, shouldn’t Caribbean governments explore and set up a regional scrap metal recycling facility funded by Japan? The answer is why not? This could generate scores of jobs in the region where job growth is in near perpetual tail spin.

Fifth, it is time to get a policy and plan into action to phase out certain type of combustion engine systems and open up the market for hybrid- low metal use vehicles. Setting up the infrastructure for hybrids is a long to medium term process which should be embedded within the fabric and moral conscience of any climate resilient strategist. A world of green jobs would emerge. And why can’t the Caribbean take the lead in hybrid powered vehicles or low metal use vehicles? Why can’t the Caribbean become the first green hub? Why can’t we become the first green economy?

Sixth, it is not far-fetched to put in place vehicle emission test centers to ascertain compliance with regulated environmental standards. In my opinion, every vehicle entering the region should be subjected to a basic approved emission test. Vehicle owners should also be made to understand the need to do regular emission checks and maintenance-a type of voluntary compliance where points are awarded to lower insurance premiums.

If by now I still I have not answered whether a new or used car is better for the environment then, more head spinning arguments will need to be unearthed. Irrefutably, a new vehicle which has been manufactured with equipment friendly technologies gets a thumbs up but an older, cheaper used vehicle with good gas mileage is ridiculously tempting to a prospective buyer. These arguments are not new and even the United States Department of Energy has weighed in advising that the most important factor in deciding between the purchase of a new or used car is the kind of mileage you can get. You can improve the gas mileage by keeping tires well inflated, reducing load in the trunk and performing regular maintenance checks. Buying a new car creates a new carbon foot print that simple does not exist if you buy a used one. Now back to my home point- the need to salvage and preserve our natural environment and dealing with the derelict vehicle challenge. Let’s take firm action and put a broad strategy on the table – one that unlocks the ideal of true Caribbean prowess, leadership and a desire to preserve our environment and our identity.

 

About the Author:

Camille David is a professional scientist having graduated with a PhD from the State University of Massachusetts. He has specialist skills in the areas of land-based impacts on the nearshore ecosystem, water quality monitoring, coastal zone management and planning, sea level rise impact assessment, data analysis and interpretation, project management and reporting. Dr. David has worked both in the United Kingdom as a Flood Hazard Research Specialist and in the United States as a Technical Associate with the Coastal Systems Analytical Laboratory of the University of Massachusetts. Presently, he is employed with the German International Cooperation (GIZ)as a marine expert focusing on climate change adaptation across eight countries within CARICOM.His experience also spans science communication and application of policy. He is passionate about the environment and growing up in the nature island of the Caribbean inspired him to develop a keen interest in protecting the environment. He holds a bachelor’s degree (Honours) from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Environmental Science (Honours) from Middlesex University in London, United Kingdom.

CAMILLENSE.com is an interactive environmental website dedicated to raising awareness and promoting of sound environmental stewardship. The scope of our discourse encompasses a broad range of topical environmental and sustainable development issues.

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24 Comments

  1. Thumbs up
    October 5, 2018

    It’s indeed a pleasure to read your work Dr. David. You are promoting an environment for healthy discussions. I want to commend you. I want to further charge the Dominica State college debate team in using this topic at their next grand national debate session. I also, want to add; that in order to address this issue, we as a people need to influence change in environmental and automobile policies that would support the Nature Island brand; but more so, the Resilient brand. I have had a first-hand experience in Japan and to my surprise, they have much stringent laws. Nonetheless, it drives their image of sustainability. The Caribbean countries as Small Island Developing states need to adopt a few strategies from Japan. Let’s start with love for self……Love for Country. Develop a pride for environmental stewardship and sustainable living. Calculate your Carbon footprint lets start with that.

  2. Barrett
    October 4, 2018

    Great article but let me say I 4 vehicles which is over 25 years old and I’m wondering how would this feel when it was new because I must say I can see another 25 years service in them I have personally owned 2 out of the 4 for over 15 years and never have an issue the problem I see with those cars is not Japan is lack of education from our leaders I recall in the 90s most people wanted a house today is car and yheycany take care of it when landed i see persons putting as low than 2.75 fuel u see them on the road side with broken end broken ball joint is a matter of can’t owned a car don’t buy it the parts are available even if the cars a 20 years old but people are buying those cars and forget about shelter even if they can’t afford it because the government is sending a clear message don’t build I will give u a house and if skero touch this car issue he will lose trust me

  3. cleora farquahrson
    October 2, 2018

    Good article, however the Bahamas does have an age limit for cars imported from Japan. The age limit is 10 years.

  4. October 2, 2018

    I drive a fifty year old Land Rover that I’ve recently restored to concourse condition in my own workshop right here in Dominica. All parts for early Land Rovers are still available at a reasonable price, right down to a replacement galvanized chassis. Mine has a canvas top – perfect for this climate – and no fancy electronic gadgets.

    Most imported vehicles are unsuited for our climate and terrain. Moreover, they are poorly designed and built.

  5. Joseph John
    October 2, 2018

    As for the health factor we should replace gas with electricity. Electricity is more environmental friendly than fossil fuel. Resources of water, sunlight and wind are in abundance in the region.

    • Malatete
      October 4, 2018

      Not necessarily so. One has to consider the manner in which electricity is generated. Today we use hydrocarbon (diesel with high sulphur content) in Dominica. Also the way it is stored. Batteries are expensive and their disposal presents a real environmental problem. To me, hydrogen fuelled vehicles present a far better prospect for the future.

  6. Joseph John
    October 2, 2018

    The Carribbean manufactures nothing. We import from Japan but export nothing from Japan. We import from China but export nothing to China. We import most of our beverages and food, but have an Agricultural based economy. Our balance of trade is in the deficit like 10 to 1.
    Since the 1970’s CARICOM Heads of government have been talking about reducing our import food bill deficit. Now we are recognizing food security because of the blacklisting and derisking of Venezuela in an attempt at regime change.
    Because we do not persue a policy of import substitution and export we are caught in the cycle of persistent poverty
    Now we want to blame Japan. Complain and blame and do nothing is our motto. WE ARE THE ONES BUYING ! We are the ones who are not making anything. We are not even buying local.
    Every item that we import represents an opportunity for export and employment to impact our economic development. Time we open our eyes.

  7. October 2, 2018

    Lets see if any action will be taken and if the system heeds Dr. David’s advice.

  8. Nrt
    October 2, 2018

    Hence CARICOM!! What I have read here is pure brilliant research. It also sounds like great opportunity for reinvestment by Japan and/or regional business people so I agree totally with the writer and CARICOM should address to take advantage of the opportunity to have Japan fix this. Gone are the days when only the elite few could manage to afford an automobile so this research exposes many truths on the subject, it is a matter for action. As he stated the reality is that even for the auto manufacturing countries the price of a new car is beyond affordable for most. Thanks to the Japanese for facilitating the affordability of an automobile within reach of everyone but someone has to look after the interests of our region and address with the Japanese businesses. Where’s CARICOM?

  9. Big doll
    October 2, 2018

    Great food for thought. This. Is the direction that the Caribbean..and certainly Dominicans should be heading

  10. Your auntie brother
    October 2, 2018

    I don’t blame the Japanese. It is we that are buying this crap and calling ourselves the champions of sustainable development. Same thing for used tires and chemicals banned elsewhere and then have the balls to beg at the U.N. for our efforts. Bunch of hypocrites we are.

  11. Renew
    October 2, 2018

    Some excellent points and agree that the Caribbean is a dumping ground for old cars nobody else wants. Importation of secondhand Japanese cars also happens in many other countries that drive on the left, but in those countries they usually put an age limit of say no older than 5 years.

    One point though – forget hybrids, small countries like Dominica are perfect for all electric cars, electric bikes, electric buses. In time these could be night charged (when system demand is low) solely by renewables; the existing hydro, future solar, and the upcoming geothermal. Result – island that no longer imports large quantities of fuel for cars – what a great outcome. Electric vehicles are the future

    • anonymous2
      October 4, 2018

      In a perfect situation that might be true, however, in that you have to depend on DOMLEC, I wouldn’t count on it. Because in the time of need, DOMLEC will be down.

  12. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 2, 2018

    Plenty of us have all kinds and sorts of degrees: Nevertheless, it seems more important to some of us to be called “doctor” (Dr.) than to put our academics to use.

    If you are knowledgeable about cars and do want Japaneses cars flooding the Caribbean market; why don’t you go into the manufacturing of cars?

    The life span of just about every car on the market today is ten years, after ten years, manufacturers no longer manufacture parts for that model of cars; you would be lucky to get something generic. Everything is computerized, after eight years it might time to dump that car.

    I drive some of the most expensive sports cars. Right now I have a Corvette, which I paid $106,000.00 dollars for, I am having some electrical problems with it, I replaced every computer which controls the engine; the problems are unsolved: It is at Felix Chevrolet a dealer shop in Los Angeles, for months! not repaired  yet!

    They do not know the cause of the problem!

    • A. George
      October 2, 2018

      you doh tired get thumbs down :lol:

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        October 2, 2018

        George if you are talking tome thumbs down does mean squat to me; I am not looking for thumbs up nor love friendship or nothing, that is not my purpose. Nevertheless when we run our mouth we need to back it up with action. Ron Abraham is one of the greatest Dominica I know.

        We were in England, and in a conversation I told him I was going  to set up a Radio & Television Broadcasting complex in Dominica;  he advised me to go home and build a Cable TV station; I  gave him all sorts of silly reasons for not doing that.

        Ron Abraham returned to Dominica and build Marpin Television, owned it until jealous Dominicans stole it from him.
        He did not talk crap he went home and do something which created work for people.

        Talking fart writing long crap on DNO; does not help!

        Do not feel sorry for me, I went to Antigua and invested in an Electronic and shipping business, I had a Ship; lost nothing! 

    • Chester
      October 2, 2018

      You just puffed some Brain Fart, been smoking that thing again? I’m sure it’s not marijuana.

    • Child of Itassi
      October 2, 2018

      Francisco, why don’t you set the example. Go back to school, get your PhD and insist that no one refers to you as “Dr. Telemaque”. Honorary doctorates I understand, but you constantly bash deserving fellow Dominicans who earn a PhD when others refer to them as Dr.

      In your fourth paragraph, you used “I” five times.
      Newsflash: No one is interested in what type of car you drive or anything about your seemingly pathetic selfish life.

      You seem to be well educated. Show it! Uplift others so others may uplift you. We are only on this Earth for a short while. It’s not too late.

    • October 4, 2018

      Stop trying to show people how to waste money !

  13. ??????????
    October 2, 2018

    I love this article. Mr David made a lot of sense. Yes all said by him should be further explored and measures taken. I love the part which states: “Fourth and better still, shouldn’t Caribbean governments explore and set up a regional scrap metal recycling facility funded by Japan? The answer is why not? This could generate scores of jobs in the region where job growth is in near perpetual tail spin.”

    I say why not!

  14. waypapa
    October 2, 2018

    Impressive! I wish our governments would listen.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 2, 2018

      Wish Government listen to what; that pile of baloney?

      Nothing are manufactured as they once were seventy years ago: I once repaired Radio’s Televisions, Stereo Amplifiers, as a matter of fact anything electrical. Nevertheless, they they are built and manufactured these days, and cost so little, even my personal electronic equipment when they fail.

      I simply throw them in the trash and go and buy a new replacement.

      I can buy a 60 inch Television for just over three hundred dollars, so why wast time repairing one?

  15. A. George
    October 2, 2018

    Great article Dr. David. Hope you sent as a letter to the powers that be. I appreciate that you considered the tough choices purchases have to make and import duties are a definite deterrent to getting a new ride.

  16. Creation Rebel
    October 2, 2018

    Food for thought great article

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