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Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie is suggesting that persons found guilty of breaching the country's anti-litter laws be given custodial sentences.
Mr. McKenzie made the suggestion while speaking to reporters during Friday morning's tour of Marcus Garvey Drive which was flooded a week ago. He said the tour confirmed that the improper disposal of garbage contributed to the flooding.
Currently, persons found guilty of littering are required to pay a fine. While there are plans by the government to increase penalties for the improper disposal of garbage, Mr. McKenzie said this is not enough.
"I think the country has reached a stage now where we have exhausted all areas. We can't continue to spend millions of dollars on public education and it still turns out to what we are witnessing here now. The country must now face up to the reality," argued Mr. McKenzie.
At least one person has come in support of Mr. McKenzie's suggestion. Town Clerk Robert Hill said he is in agreement with the suggestion for persons to be given prison sentences for breaching anti-litter law because persons are disregarding the environment.
"We're not being responsible citizens of Kingston and St. Andrew, in particular, and that has put a strain on the KSAC's budget to clean these gullies," he said.
In the meantime, Mr. McKenzie said plans to increase penalties for the improper disposal of garbage are near completion. He said a meeting would be held on Friday with the legal team at the ministry to finalise what will be submitted to Cabinet.
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