-NA municipality to impose fines from January 1

FOLLOWING his re-election as Mayor, Kirt Wynter, has signalled the Municipal Council’s intention of imposing a $10,000 fine on those caught littering in the New Amsterdam township.The century-old town has in recent times been plagued by the illegal dumping of garbage, by its citizenry, along the roadways, empty houselots and alleyways. Citing an area obliquely across from the town hall which had been cleared of mountains of garbage a day or two ago, but has since returned to its former state, the mayor remarked:”This is gross disrespect. After clearing the area, the staff is confronted by the lawless dumping…
“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 burning the garbage in your backyards. We will not tolerate indiscriminate dumping,” he emphasised.
In addition to litter fines, which will be implemented on January 1, 2017 , persons will be banned from using glass bottles at public events, in order to strive to uphold a clean and green environment, which is in keeping with the vision of President David Granger.
However, even as he mentioned the new decisions, he was quick to add that the new rules were not intended to add a burden on the citizenry…”
Further, Mayor Wynter noted that even though the Council had agreed to increase wages and salaries of the municipal staff, that commitment is yet to be made.
However, despite the Municipal Council being cash-strapped, the workers have benefitted from a one-month-pay bonus, which was due to their continuous hard work and commitment .
Earlier, Mayor Wynter and his Deputy Ms Winifred Haywood were returned unchallenged during an election in which Town Clerk Ms Sharon Alexander acted as the Returning Officer.
According to the Municipal and District Council Act Chapter 28.01 The Town Clerk, shall in each year which is a year of the election of City Councilors call, after the declaration under section 10 of the Local Authority [ Elections] Act of the results of that the election a meeting , to be held not later than the 16th day of December, thereat to be City Councilors and shall be in any other year , not later than the said day, call a meeting of the City , Councilors for the purpose of electing the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, for the ensuing year.