KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston, Senator Delroy Williams says the city is losing millions in amusement fees on a monthly basis. 

Williams, who declared earlier this year that the entertainment and promotions industry needs order and structure, stated in a release today that several promoters are hosting events without the proper permits and others are being crafty in evasion of paying for fees. 

“It is a long-standing issue and we are moving to correct it. In annual licenses; issued to public spaces used for entertainment; we have seen a decrease of half a million dollars in revenue over the last three years. There are more businesses but we are collecting less revenue, something is clearly wrong;” Williams stated. 

The mayor added that the city also loses close to $2 million on a monthly basis from events and companies that are continuously under-paying for advertising and permits daily. 

He went on to declare that he has a love for entertainment and the creative industry and will be taking steps to level the playing field for all stakeholders. 

“We cannot have some persons complying and others evading and getting away with it. This may mean we have to revisit regulations and possibly create a registry of promoters as well as work closer with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF),” he explained. 

Williams also said the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation will be engaging offenders through dialogue initially but will take the steps provided by the law if necessary and impose sanctions. 

“There is a lot of work to do across the city and this needs revenue. Currently, the municipal police force, markets, roadways and drains all need revenue and our hands are being tied,” he added.

He said the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will be engaging offenders through dialogue initially but will take the necessary steps provided by the law if necessary and impose sanctions. 

“There are increasing demands on the KSAMC with respect to safety and security; maintenance of order and infrastructural improvement. The residents of Kingston and St Andrew are demanding more from the KSAMC in terms of service delivery.

“All of this means we have to be efficient in the collection and use of the revenues. For the Municipality to attain its vision and Kingston to take its place among international cities we must collect revenues and bring order. Projects like the Ward Theatre, Coronation Market, Cross Roads Square, St Williams Grant Park, Half Way Tree and others demand that we take the necessary steps to collect the revenues;” he said.