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Truck driver accused: illegal dumping or off loading?
With local authorities considering revisions to fines for illegal dumping, motorists in Kingston are renewing their call for the discussions to be finalised.
Many argue that the current penalties are insufficient to deter offenders from engaging in the unlawful practice.
One of the latest incidents occurred near Industrial Terrace and Marcus Garvey Drive where a truck driver was accused of illegal dumping.
He was captured on camera removing items from his truck and placing it on an empty plot of land.
The driver hastily left the scene after being questioned about his actions.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, announced in 2023 that the existing fines were under review.
Littering and illegal dumping according to on law enforcer attracts a fine of $2,000 to 1,000,000 or an imprisonment of up to 6 months.
“The [current] fines are not a deterrent. We are almost there in terms of the review of the fines ... . We not only want to try to increase these fines; we want to try to do more public education, talking to Jamaicans to say, what is your take [on the situation], and how do we deal with violators,” McKenzie stated.
He also highlighted that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has been collaborating with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to prosecute offenders.
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