The signage regularization campaign officially ended on March 31, marking the end of the concession period that was provided to give entities a fair and reasonable opportunity to bring their signage into compliance. Prior to the campaign’s conclusion, the KSAMC undertook an extensive public education and sensitization programme. This included direct engagement with stakeholders, clarification of requirements, and guidance on the process for regularization.

During the course of the campaign, invoices totalling approximately JMD 74 million were generated. To date, the Corporation has collected approximately JMD 27 million, of which JMD 13 million represents arrears. This reflects a low level of compliance, despite the significant efforts made to inform and engage stakeholders. As we move beyond the regularization phase, the KSAMC has nowtransitioned into the enforcement phase.

While the removal of illegally installed and non-compliant signage commenced last Thursday (April 9), I wish to emphasize that this is not an action the Corporation undertakes lightly. However, in order to uphold the law and ensure fairness across the municipality, enforcement is both necessary and unavoidable.

To minimize disruption to the public, removal activities will primarily be conducted on weekends, when traffic volumes are lower and operations can be executed more efficiently.

Throughout the campaign, the KSAMC facilitated flexible payment arrangements, including instalment options for both new signage and outstanding arrears. Since enforcement began, some entities have cited not receiving invoices as a reason for non-payment. However, it was consistently communicated that engagement with the KSAMC, including the submission of required information, was necessary for invoices to be issued. Let me be clear: the grace period has ended. Enforcement has begun. Nonetheless, compliance is still encouraged.

During the campaign, the KSAMC made deliberate efforts to ensure inclusivity. We formally wrote to Permanent Secretaries across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. However, aside from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the level of response from government institutions has been disappointing. This lack of engagement sends an unfortunate signal to both the public and private sectors, particularly at a time when uniform compliance is required.  We will be writing to the respective Ministers to solicit their support in ensuring compliance from their Permanent Secretaries.

This regularization and enforcement drive is fundamentally about fairness, order, and the responsible use of public space. Enforcement will continue, guided by data collected through our compliance team, as weaddress longstanding issues of unregulated signage across Kingston and St.Andrew.

We have also taken note of concerns raised by residents and members of the corporate community regarding the proliferation of unregulated signage, and the resulting visual clutter, safety risks, and commercial imbalance. Our objective is to create and maintaina safe, structured, and orderly advertising environment across the municipality, and compliance is critical to achieving this objective.

His Worship the Mayor of Kingston

Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP

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