St James PC steps up compliance activities

MONTEGO BAY, St James:

The St James Parish Council will next Monday begin to serve summonses on persons who have not yet complied with notice letters to pay outstanding fees for property taxes, trade licences and spirit licences.

The council, which embarked on a compliance drive three weeks ago, will on September 14 spearhead an operation in which officers will focus specifically on property tax fees.

"The level of compliance for property taxes in the parish is just over 40 per cent and is significantly affecting the council's ability to provide services that benefit its parishioners and visitors alike," said Mayor of Montego Bay Charles Sinclair. "To date, over $4 million is owed for property taxes on Barnett Street alone."

Special police traffic initiative for Rose Hall

The Area One Highway Patrol has introduced a special traffic initiative to take corrective measures to stem an increase in road accidents and fatalities along the Rose Hall main road in St James.

The collaboration, which involves the Area One Highway Patrol, Barrett Town and Coral Gardens police, includes the inspection of vehicles by the Transport Authority and random spot checks along the route.

Since August 26, a total of 195 motorists have been prosecuted for disobeying the stoplights, and 57 traffic tickets were issued for speeding violations, along with other traffic offences.