PSOJ urges government to fast-track COVID ticketing fine for non-compliance

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), has urged the Government to fast track their current development of a ticketing system with prohibitive fines, for non-compliance of COVID-19 protocols.

The call from the PSOJ comes amid the government's announcment of new curfew hours, which according to the organisation, could see some reversal of recent economic gains and the recovery of jobs, as a result of the reduction in working hours.

The PSOJ further said that while it understands the need for tightened measures in response to the spike in positive cases, it is of the view that there should be a greater emphasis on compliance and enforcement, which may be a more sustainable approach to controlling the spread of the virus without further curtailing business activity.

Proposals have been made by the Government for the development of a ticketing system to increase compliance.

The organisation further suggested that the ticketing system enforcement measure could be supplemented by the Transport Authority, the Municipal Police and Special District Constables, so as to avoid the strain on members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). 

Recognising that even with the additional resources, there may still be human resource constraints to effectively manage this ticketing system, the private sector said its organisation is also willing to complement the efforts through partnership with security firms.

The PSOJ has urged all Jamaicans to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, to avoid even tighter measures which they believe could have a prolonged negative impact on the livelihood of every Jamaica, as a result of a slowdown of the nation's economic recovery. 

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