Kingston mayor targets delinquent promoters

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation might have to implement a promoter’s registry for the country’s capital city soon, to ensure they comply with fees. Mayor of Kingston Senator Delroy Williams, in a press release yesterday, stated that the city is losing close to $2 million in amusement fees monthly.

“We cannot have some persons complying and others evading and getting away with it. This may mean we have to revisit regulations and possibly create a registry of promoters as well as work closer with the Jamaica Constabulary Force”, he explained. He said several promoters are hosting events without the proper permits and others are being crafty by evading the payment of fees.

“It is a long-standing issue and we are moving to correct it. In annual licences issued to public spaces used for entertainment, we have seen a decrease of half a million dollars in revenue over the last three years. There are more businesses but we are collecting less revenue — something is clearly wrong,” the mayor said, adding that losses are also incurred from events and companies which are continuously under-paying for advertising and permits. Williams said, too, that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will be engaging offenders through dialogue initially, but will take the necessary steps provided by the law, if necessary, and impose sanctions.

“There is a lot of work to do across the city and this needs revenue. Currently, the municipal police force, markets, roadways and drains all need revenue and our hands are being tied”, he said. “There are increasing demands on the KSAMC with respect to safety and security; maintenance of order; and infrastructural improvement. The residents of Kingston and St Andrew are demanding more from the KSAMC in terms of service delivery.”

Williams added: “All of this means we have to be efficient in the collection and use of the revenues. For the municipality to attain its vision and Kingston to take its place among international cities, we must collect revenues and bring order. Projects like the Ward Theatre, Coronation Market, Cross Roads square, St William Grant Park, Half-Way-Tree, and others demand that we take the necessary steps to collect the revenues.” (Jamaica Observer/Photo: Jamaica Star)