KSAMC targets gov’t ministries, others over signage fees
Published:Thursday | March 12, 2026 | 12:08 AMCorey Robinson/Senior Staff Reporter
Government ministries, led by their permanent secretaries, feature prominently among the top delinquent signage-fee defaulters, even as the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) prepares to impose tighter enforcement measures, once its Signage and Compliance Campaign ends on March 31.
Permanent secretaries, media companies, motor-vehicle salespersons and event promoters have repeatedly been identified as chronic offenders, together owing some $34.5 million in unpaid fees.
Kingston’s mayor, Andrew Swaby, reported that about $5 million has been collected so far, $3.4 million of which reflects arrears. The campaign, launched in January, offered concessions on outstanding payments and sought to educate businesses and the wider public on the requirements and legislation governing signage across the municipality. Swaby was addressing the KSAMC’s monthly meeting.
“The KSAMC has formally written to permanent secretaries of all ministries, departments and agencies regarding their responsibility for signage on buildings under their administrations. To date, only two responses have been received,” Swaby told the meeting, withholding the names of the ministries.
“Permanent secretaries are reminded that all signage must be approved, outstanding fees settled within the concession period, and designated officers assigned to liaise with the KSAMC,” he said. “Compliance is essential to uphold planning regulations and support orderly development. Permanent secretaries are accountable for ensuring their ministries meet these obligations.”
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM
According to Swaby, the KSAMC has begun assembling a special enforcement team, comprising the city inspector along with representatives from the building and planning department, legal services and the police.
“This team will examine and coordinate the enforcement options available to the corporation,” he emphasised, urging delinquents to move swiftly to regularise their affairs before the deadline.
“This initiative is designed to provide a fair and structured opportunity for businesses and other entities with publicly visible signage,” he told councillors. “The end of this campaign does not mark the end of signage regularisation. Signage fees remain payable annually, and compliance will continue to be enforced. What this campaign offers is a defined window for regularisation, which closes on March 31.”
Meanwhile, Swaby informed the meeting that the Electoral Office of Jamaica has noted vacancies in the Maxfield and Seivwright Gardens divisions and is encouraging by-elections to fill them.
“Councillors will recall that elections to fill these vacancies were due by mid-December 2025. However, in the aftermath of the destruction from Melissa on October 28, 2025, I wrote to the Honourable Desmond McKenzie seeking an extension,” he said. “I wish to assure the council that I will in short order have the relevant consultations.”