Stiffer penalties for improper garbage disposal

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.

Minister 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," he said.

The Minister, who was speaking at a Town Hall meeting, at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre last 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.

McKenzie is spearheading the inter-ministerial, multi-agency National Task Force, appointed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to lead the assault against the Zika Virus and other diseases that are posing a threat to public health.