KINGSTON, Jamaica— Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie says fines under the Litter Act will be increased for persons caught littering in public spaces in the upcoming legislative year.

“In the new legislative year, which hopefully by the middle of the year, those legislations will be tabled and passed. You’re going to be seeing a difference in terms of how public order on our streets is executed,” McKenzie said.

The local government minister also called for a shift in Jamaicans’ mindset when it comes to maintaining clean surroundings, stressing that legislation alone will not solve the problem.

“We’re looking to increase the fines as it relates to the Litter Act. The truth is, you could put all the statutes on the books. If the Jamaican people do have a change of mind, then it is not going to work,” he said.

McKenzie warned that the proposed amendments will introduce significantly more punitive measures for those found in breach of the law.

Additionally, the minister expressed concern about the continued misuse of sidewalks and roadways by garage operators and used-car dealers, who he said are obstructing public thoroughfares.

“There is a greater challenge that we face, and the municipal corporations across the country, I have spoken to them about this, is the taking over of our sidewalks and roadways by garage operators, used car dealers, selling motor vehicles, using the public thoroughfare, restricting road access to virtually one lane traffic in some places,” McKenzie said.

“When the time comes, I hope nobody complains, but the government cannot continue to allow this to happen and for people to continue to break the law in the way in which it is being done,” he warned.