Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

McKenzie and Meadows

Mayor of Kingston, Senator Desmond McKenzie, is proposing the establishment of a municipal court for Kingston and St. Andrew to enforce parochial laws, while his colleague senator, Dennis Meadows, wants the Government to declare an amnesty for illegal route taxi operators.

Speaking in the Senate yesterday, Senator McKenzie said the flouting of zoning laws was widespread and motorists constantly breached parking laws.

He told his colleagues that there was a breakdown in the observance of regulations which controlled the disposal of garbage and many persons continued to ignore laws governing the types of structures that should be erected in the municipality.

Mayor McKenzie said the contravention of parochial laws has led to a breakdown in the operation of the city, creating what he described as chaos, insanitary conditions, crime and general lawlessness.

He argued that central government was overwhelmed by the overload in the justice system and did not have the time and the resources to effectively tackle parochial law enforcement.

"Be it resolved that this Senate requests the Government of Jamaica to consider and approve legislation, which will permit the establishment of a municipal court, under the auspices of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation," he said.

amnesty for illegal taxis

Meanwhile, Senator Meadows is encouraging the Government to declare an amnesty for the estimated 19,000 illegal route taxi operators, saying that the current system of road licensing is frustrating and tedious. He said it gave rise to the operation of illegal taxis.

He said a period of amnesty would facilitate the regularisation and legalisation of the illegal taxi operators.

Senator Meadows also proposed that the Government amend Section 13 of the Transport Authority Act, which allows for the seizure of motor vehicles without due process.

"Be it further resolved that the Government formulate and implement a new policy aimed at rationalising the route taxi system, making the issuing of road licences faster for operators with proper insurance and vehicles in good working condition," he added.