Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
JUST UNDER 200 motor vehicles will be put on the auction block by the Jamaica Customs Department (JCD) late next month at the Queen's Warehouse.
The vehicles, not claimed by their importers and that have been in storage for more than 90 days, will be auctioned off on August 29 and 30, starting at 10:30 a.m.
"Everything must go," said Deloree Staple-Chambers, acting deputy commissioner of operations at the JCD. "That is exactly why we are doing this. We would love to get rid of (all of) them."
Mrs. Staple-Chambers revealed that if the vehicles are not sold, then the law makes provision for the Minister of Finance to dispose of the them as he sees fit.
However, owners of the 183 cars and sport-utility vehicles can still claim them. "Up to the morning of the sale importers can still clear goods," said Mrs. Staple-Chambers. "As long as they pay all customs duties, taxes, and all the fees."
Mrs. Staple-Chambers told The Gleaner the auction could prove to be a car chaser's dream, as the probability of buying a car for less than market value is 'very possible'.
Bids will open at prices that cover all taxes, fees, and selling expenses incurred by the department.
Mrs. Staple-Chambers explained that the department will not profit from the sale of the vehicles as proceeds will go to the Consolidated Fund.
However, the importer is also entitled to a portion of the revenue after the department has made the requisite deductions.
Persons interested in participating in the auction must be registered before the auction date and are required to submit two passport-size photographs, Tax Registration Number (TRN) card and a valid ID to the relevant personnel at the Queen's Warehouses located at the Norman Manley International Airport and 230 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11.
The motor vehicles to be put on the auction block will be available for viewing from August 22 to 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Custom House and the Queen's Warehouse, 230 Spanish Town Road.
