— big fines in store for litter bugs, ban of glass bottles at public events

RE-ELECTED New Amsterdam Mayor, Kirt Wynter said the municipality will be imposing a $10,000 fine on persons caught littering in the township.The century-old town has in recent times been plagued by illegal dumping of garbage along roadways, empty house lots and alleyways.

Only a few days ago a mountain of garbage near the town hall was cleared, but soon after, it returned to its former state.

“This is gross disrespect,” Mayor Wynter said, noting, “We pleaded with the residents to dispose of their garbage in an acceptable manner. If we cannot pick up your garbage in a timely manner, we approve you burn the garbage in your backyards. We will not tolerate indiscriminate dumping.”

In addition to fines for littering which will be implemented on January 1, 2017, persons will be banned from using glass bottles at public events. This is to ensure that the environment is green and clean in keeping with President David Granger vision for a green State.

These measures, he said, are not intended to add burden on residents, but to maintain law and order.

Even though the Council had agreed to increase wages and salaries for underpaid municipal staff, it is yet to honour that commitment. However, Mr Wynter contended that with continuous hard work by councillors and staff, the promise can be realised in the New Year.

He and his deputy Winifred Haywood returned unchallenged in the recent mayoral elections.