The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has announced a time-limited discount on outstanding signage fees as part of its Signage Compliance and Regularization Campaign, aimed at supporting business operators while strengthening compliance across the municipality.

The announcement was made by Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP during his Statement and Announcement at the KSAMC’s Monthly Council Meeting held on December 9, 2025.

As the local planning authority, the KSAMC has the legal mandate to administer, collect and where appropriate, offer structured concessions on these fees. The signage discount programme will operate under a consistent tiered structure and will run from January to March 2026.

Mayor Swaby acknowledged the significant challenges faced by businesses following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“The KSAMC recognizes that the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa has had a significant impact on many businesses across the municipality. Operators have faced interruptions, unexpected repairs, and unplanned expenses, including assisting those affected by the hurricane,” the Mayor stated.

“In response to these challenges and to give businesses a fair opportunity to regularize, the KSAMC will be offering a one-time, time-limited discount on unregularized and long-outstanding signage fees,” the Mayor announced.

The initiative will allow businesses to clear arrears at reduced rates and bring existing signage into compliance, provided the signs meet approval conditions.

Mayor Swaby further explained that many businesses have been displaying signage for years without obtaining the relevant approval or paying the required fees under the Advertisements Regulation Act and the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulation, 1978.

“After March 31, all accounts will revert to full payment, and enforcement activities will proceed in accordance with applicable laws,” the Mayor cautioned.

The initiative is a practical reset for businesses and a clear pathway to compliance, while also supporting the proper management of signage across the municipality. Mayor Swaby also highlighted previous and planned efforts to strengthen compliance, including recent structured arrangements with outside advertising companies to settle long-standing arrears.

During the course of the compliance drive, the KSAMC will engage small business owners and other private sector stakeholders to bring clarity to the process and awareness of the broader purpose of the initiative.

“These measures reflect our relentless efforts to maintain an orderly, safe and visually balanced city while ensuring the KSAMC has the resources it needs to serve the residents of Kingston and St. Andrew effectively. We encourage all operators to take advantage of the temporary signage concession and continue to work with us to support compliance, revenue growth and the overall well-being of our municipality.”

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