Sheena Gayle, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Joan Gordon-Webley, is warning hoteliers in western Jamaica against engaging in improper waste disposals.

Speaking at Tuesday's monthly meeting of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gordon-Webley vowed to prosecute developers who continue to disregard waste disposal protocols the NSWMA.

"Just last week, while I travelled the streets of Montego Bay, I came upon massive dumping inside the city, persons building these massive hotels have no regard for our country," Gordon-Webley said.

According to the NSWMA boss, she recently witnessed several truck loads of construction materials and other debris being dumped along the highway leading into Green Island. She said her investigations revealed that the trucks were linked to the contractors of the Fiesta Hotel in Point, Hanover.

STIFF WARNING

"I spoke with the contractor of the hotel and we have given him a stiff warning to take up every single truck load and if he does not, we will prosecute," Gordon-Webley stated.

However, after a meeting with the hotel's developer, she said removal of the improperly dumped waste has commenced, and the agency continues to monitor the situation.

Corporate Communications consultant for the Fiesta Group, Sonia Rickards, said instructions were given to the contractors not to have a repeat of the situation.

She said: "The Fiesta Group does not want to be a part of anything that will damage the environment so they (contractors) were given a stern warning have anything like this happen again or there will be consequences."

Meanwhile, Gordon-Webley re-minded business operators in Montego Bay about payment for the removal of commercial garbage.

"NSWMA's job is to collect domestic garbage and all persons who own a business must pay for the removal of their commercial garbage," she stated.

Failure to do so, she said, will result in a fine of up to $500,000 and or six months imprisonment.