Media houses under scrutiny by KSAMC for unpaid advertising fees

Media houses are the latest to come under the spotlight of the Revenue Collection Department of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for outstanding fees related to advertisements across the Corporate Area.

Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby, made the announcement during this morning’s monthly sitting of the municipal corporation.

Swaby disclosed that letters have been sent to the media houses in violation, warning that court action may be taken if the outstanding obligations are not settled.

“Our revenue department has written to nine such entities. Two have since made payments, one has requested additional information, and the others have not even acknowledged receipt,” he reported.

He reminded the public and companies that they have an obligation to pay the requisite fees to the corporation for displaying advertisements.

"Subject to Regulation Three, Sub-section One of the Town and Country Act... (1978), the law states that: 'No person shall display advertisement in, on, or over any land or buildings without the prior approval of the local planning authority, and the payment of the prescribed fees',” said Swaby.

"These fees are non-transferable; they only apply to the individual or the business to whom the application was submitted. For those who have not yet responded to our official communication, we will be taking further action against you to ensure that the KSAMC is paid what is owed to us," he added, citing defined exemptions under Section Five of the Act.

"We are sending a strong signal to media houses that we believe should act with more responsibility and lead by example," charged the mayor.

- Corey Robinson

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