Port Antonio mayor threatens legal action over dumping in Rio Grande Valley

Mayor of Port Antonio Paul Thompson is threatening legal action against persons or entities who dump garbage in streams in the Rio Grande Valley of eastern Portland.

Thompson said he has received several reports about the dumping of waste in streams and other waterways by some residents in the upper Rio Grande Valley, a practice, which he said, is illegal.

“It was only last week that I received another report about garbage being dumped in a stream, which whenever it rains, overflows into the backyard of a senior citizen, who is also a retired public servant,” he told The Gleaner on Tuesday.

“I am saying to those engaged in such illicit practices to desist. We have officers at the Portland Municipal Corporation, who will be investigating these matters. Never let it be said that you were not warned. When you are caught, do not call this office, because I won’t be able to help you. The chips will lie where they fall. Polluting water ways is a serious offence, “he added.

The mayor's comments come against the background of a report made by a retired public servant, May Harris of Seaman’s Valley, who for the better part of 12 years, has been grappling with waste being washed in her backyard whenever it rains in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I have worked hard (at Forestry Department) and now I am retired and I have to contend with garbage being washed throughout my backyard space,”she commented.

“It is getting from bad to worse, and even though I have approached those dumping garbage into the stream, urging them to desist, dem only curse mi out. I am frustrated and therefore I now have to go public in seeking help from the powers that be. We have been getting a lot of rain and the Garbage keeps washing into my backyard. Tyres, plastic bottles, baby pampers, scandal bag, items of clothing, and old footwear, keeps washing down, “she added.

Jmaica has significantly increased fines for polluting waterways under the National Resources Conservation Authority Act and Wild Life Protection Act. Individuals face up to $5 million in fines or five years imprisonment, while corporate bodies can be fined up to $10 million.

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