KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has emphasised and reaffirmed that all national and local government structures and organs must follow the law in enforcing all legislation, policies and programmes, inclusive of revenue collection.

The minister was responding to reports, published earlier today, that a Councillor of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), suggested that extortionists should be used to collect outstanding fees for the use of markets.McKenzie, in a release this afternoon, said: “We cannot give a moment of thought to any such proposal. To entertain it, is to throw away the credibility that every Municipal Corporation needs, if it is to be truly seen and regarded as a Local Authority. While I understand that there are frustrations about the incomes that are due for services provided, I must stoutly declare that we cannot address derelictions by engaging with criminals, or otherwise practicing criminal methods. That is not the policy, and will never be the policy of the Government of Jamaica.”“As the minister to whom the Local Authorities report, I wish to make it clear that no illegal tactics will be used to achieve any programme or policy objectives. Let me also use the opportunity to urge our Mayors to exercise strong leadership of their Municipal Corporations, and to provide the guidance necessary to ensure that every activity pursued is within the law.”