By Kimone Witter
Amendments to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act and the Wild Life Protection Act were tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.
The proposed changes aim to increase fines, update related custodial sentences and modernise the legal framework for environmental management in Jamaica.
The proposal is for the maximum fine for offences under the NRCA Act and the Wild Life Protection Act to be increased to $5 million.
The amendments will also introduce distinctions between offences committed by individuals and body corporates, with the latter now subject to judgments in the Circuit Court.
This change will allow for the imposition of penalties based on the severity of the environmental crime.
Minister with responsibility for the Environment, Matthew Samuda, says the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is continuing to focus on the full overhaul of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority and the Wild Life Protection Acts as well as the repeal and replacement of the Forest Act, which it aims to complete early in the next financial year.
The ministry will also be conducting a review of the enforcement capacity of all environmental management agencies with regulatory authority.
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