Stiffer penalties coming for improper disposal of garbage
ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie is warning people who improperly dispose of their garbage in public places, that legislation is coming that will bring more stringent sanctions against offenders.
McKenzie said the present penalty of $2,000 was not a deterrent to lawbreakers, particularly to those dumping commercial waste.
“The present fine for littering is being reviewed, and the legal team in the ministry has made a submission as to [an] increase, [and] as to what [amount] they are proposing, because I believe that the fines should hurt where it matters most and that is in the pocket,” McKenzie said.
The Local Government Minister, who was speaking at a Town Hall Meeting, at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on Thursday, said in addition to imposing severe fines, the government will be strengthening the enforcement arm of Parish Councils, by increasing the number of Municipal Police officers island-wide.
At the town hall, the minister also launched the first leg of the National Clean-up Campaign.
“I want to urge you, [to] support this initiative; it is in the best interest of Jamaica. Investors don’t want to come to a dirty country,” McKenzie said.
The clean-up campaign in St James is the pilot, which will determine how the programme is rolled out in other parishes.