Gov't to increase fines in several pieces of legislation

The Government is taking steps to increase the monetary penalties prescribed in some pieces of legislation.

This was announced by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament.

He said that the Legal Reform Department had reviewed the monetary penalties in more than 850 laws of Jamaica.

"Members will recall that there was a certain person from St Catherine, who, when he had an immigration charge and was convicted for an immigration offence, was only charged $100. That was the maximum penalty."

According to Chuck, the ministries have been asked to examine the outdated penalties and to make recommendations for the requisite increases.

Chuck said that his ministry would play a lead role by increasing the penalties of laws under its jurisdiction during this fiscal year, while urging other ministries to take similar actions expeditiously.