Public Defender Earl Witter says his office is in the process of making claims on the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) on behalf of several persons who were affected by smoke emissions from the Riverton landfill for approximately two weeks.

The fire, which started at the landfill towards the end of last year, triggered clouds of smoke covering scores of communities within and beyond the Kingston Metropolitan region. This sparked national debate and attracted the attention of the Public Defender.

Mr. Witter told The Gleaner yesterday that his office had advised potential claimants on how they should put together their claims.

Possible claims

He said there were three possible types of claims - loss of earnings, medical expenses or special damages and compensation for general damages resulting from pain and suffering.

Mr. Witter, at a press conference at his offices on Harbour Street, downtown Kingston, earlier this month, said he had started an investigation into the cause of the fire at Riverton. His findings will be submitted to Parliament.