The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, has emphasized the need for businesses to arrange proper garbage disposal services with reputable providers. Speaking at the recent Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) meeting, held at the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber in downtown Kingston, the mayor stressed that poor waste management practices will not be tolerated.
“While the KSAMC supports businesses and their vital role in the economy, we cannot accept the irresponsible garbage disposal methods currently being used by some operators,” Swaby stated. He pointed out that informal practices, such as hiring handcart men to dispose of commercial waste by dumping it in vacant lots, on sidewalks, and in public spaces, have become an ongoing issue.
The mayor highlighted that over the summer, the KSAMC launched a joint compliance and enforcement campaign in the downtown business district to address these concerns. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with several key agencies, including Tax Administration Jamaica, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the Public Health Department, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Swaby explained that the primary goal of the campaign was to ensure that business operators comply with their legal obligation to dispose of commercial waste responsibly. Part of the campaign involved inspecting businesses to confirm they had formal agreements in place with authorized waste management companies.
“In preparation for this, the CEO and I met with the Chinese Ambassador to raise awareness, given the significant number of businesses owned by Chinese nationals. We are grateful to the Ambassador for his cooperation and for offering to share the information through their networks. To address potential communication challenges, the KSAMC has also employed the services of a translator,” Swaby added.
The mayor noted that the initiative will continue, with unannounced inspections planned for other business establishments across the municipality. The KSAMC is committed to ensuring compliance and improving waste disposal practices in Kingston, helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
