Minister with responsibility for local government, Robert Montague, is demanding that councillors at the Portmore Municipal Council cease influencing enforcement officers as they carry out their duties.

Montague handed down the directive after complaints from Chief Administrative Officer David Parkes, who declared that councillors had not been allowing the officers to work independently.

Enforcement officers are employed by the council to ensure that business operators and others abide by the regulations set by the local authority.

"Minister, there is a whole lot in the enforcement operation, and some councillors are even taking lists to the team," Parkes said. "I am not a politician and, as a civil servant, I cannot win; therefore, the officer must be able to work freely."

Tired of abuse

One enforcement officer told Montague that she was aware that some councillors were pointing out areas in which members of her team should operate and if they refused, they were accused of being politically aligned.

"I am tired of being abused, and find it difficult to go on the road. Moreover, we need to get directives after the committee meets and all should speak with one voice," she said.

Montague, in his response, told the council that the enforcement order must be arrived at after it is discussed in the planning committee meeting.

"What is happening here is that councillors are being allowed to do administrative work and whatever they want to, and I know that you can change that," he told Parkes.

In addition, he told the councillors that a high level of public education should be undertaken to ensure persons are aware of the breaches they were committing.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com