As we advance into the second month of the KSAMC’s signage regularization campaign, I wish to provide a brief update on our progress and to underscore the importance of timely engagement by the business community and all entities with publicly displayed signage.

Since the launch of the campaign in January, the Corporation has sustained extensive sensitization and outreach efforts across Kingston and St. Andrew. To date, ninety-eight (98) businesses have been formally invoiced, and consultations have been held with key representatives of the business community, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association. These engagements yielded valuable feedback and practical insights, which have been incorporated to strengthen the campaign’s strategy and ensure a more effective and workable approach to compliance.

In recognition of the unique dynamics of the outdoor advertising sector, the Corporation has also committed to holding quarterly meetings with outdoor advertising companies. These forums are intended to address concerns, clarify regulatory requirements, and support ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

While our teams continue their sensitization efforts on the ground, there have regrettably been instances where officers have been met with disrespect while executing their duties. I wish to remind all stakeholders that these officers are acting in good faith and in the public interest, and I urge all parties to extend the necessary cooperation and respect throughout this process.

I also wish to emphasize that the KSAMC has gone beyond the call of duty in raising awareness about this campaign. The initiative has been deliberately structured to allow ample time for sensitization and regularization prior to the commencement of enforcement action. In furtherance of this objective, the Corporation has expanded its communication efforts beyond its customary channels, including radio outreach, despite the absence of a dedicated paid advertising budget. Information on the campaign continues to be widely disseminated through the KSAMC’s website, social media platforms, and key messages and guidelines circulated across both social and traditional media. As such, claims of lack of awareness cannot reasonably serve as a basis for non-compliance.

It is important to reiterate that the display of advertising signs is regulated by law under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations, 1978, and the Kingston and St. Andrew Building Act, 2018. Approval and payment for signage are therefore statutory requirements, not discretionary measures, and compliance is mandatory for all entities with publicly displayed signage.

Stakeholders are also reminded that, while a temporary signage concession is currently in effect, signs that do not meet the stipulated requirements will not be approved. Further, this campaign is not limited to advertisers alone. It applies to all forms of public signage, whether commercial or otherwise, and all entities are expected to comply with the relevant regulatory framework.

The business community and other affected entities are therefore strongly encouraged to actively engage with the KSAMC’s official information channels to familiarize themselves with the requirements and ensure compliance. Where uncertainty exists or clarification is required, the KSAMC will exercise discretion in guiding non-compliant entities toward regularization. Queries may be directed to the Compliance Unit at complianceunit@ksamc.gov.jm.

I wish to reiterate that this is a time-bound opportunity. The signage regularization campaign will conclude on March 31, 2026, after which more stringent enforcement measures will be implemented. I therefore urge all businesses and entities with public signage to act promptly, engage early, and take full advantage of this opportunity to regularize.

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His Worship the Mayor of Kingston

Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP