MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL DUMPKNG AND IS FINED $3K OR SIX MONTHS; SOLID WASTE THANKS VIGILANT RESIDENTS FOR SUPPORT
The National Solid Waste Management Authority has secured a conviction against Ramey Brown for illegal dumping.
Brown appeared before the court today, June 8, and pleaded guilty to committing the act on February 28 in Thibou’s Estate. He was ordered to pay a fine of $3,000 or, in default, face imprisonment for six months.
When the matter was first taken before the court, Brown denied the charge. Again, on his second appearance, he pleaded not guilty and his lawyer requested full disclosure of the case file.
According to the report, there were two eyewitnesses to Brown’s illegal dumping of the waste. These persons proceeded to notify officers at the Coolidge Police Station nearby.
The officers responded swiftly and investigations were launched. The lawmen observed fresh cuttings thrown on the southern side of the dirt road when they visited the area.
Looking further, they were able to catch Brown with the truck bed elevated and the tailgate down.
Meanwhile, the Solid Waste Authority is cautioning residents that it is illegal to dump waste in locations outside the sanitary landfill. It is also asking the public to continue being vigilant and to report the offence when they see it.
“The Authority would like to … thank the public for their unwavering support in assisting us to bring these perpetrators to justice,” the agenct says in a release.
Under the Litter Control and Prevention Act of 2019, persons found in contravention face penalties of up to $3,000, or a year in prison for breaching the law.
Motorists face fines as high as $5,000 if caught dumping garbage illegally, and may have their vehicle impounded and driver’s license suspended.
Businesses can be fined a maximum of $15,000. Under the Bill, litter wardens are empowered to initiate criminal proceedings, while magistrates can make an order for the offender to clean up litter dumped in public places.
Homeowners with unsightly structures on their property can also be ordered to break them down, and ordered to clean litter on their premises.
Minister of the Environment Sir Molwyn Joseph has said the Administration is challenged to keep the country clean. Since the Act has come into force, the Government reportedly has reaped significant sums from the fines.
