KSAMC ramps up effort to collect signage fees

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is giving business owners across the Corporate Area another opportunity to settle outstanding signage fees as it ramps up enforcement measures.

Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby says the corporation is to launch a series of mobile payment outstations and public education campaigns aimed at improving awareness of signage regulations.

According to Swaby, this is yet another attempt of educating the public on signage fees while allowing greater accessibility for those who still have outstanding payments.

“These engagements are not only intended to strengthen awareness of the signage regularisation process, but also to provide real-time clarification and to support business operators who may still be uncertain about their obligations under the law. Businesses will also be offered the opportunity to settle outstanding signage fees during these engagements should they wish to do so,” said Swaby.

He explained that the outstations will be established in plazas and commercial centres throughout the municipality as the KSAMC moves the compliance process to businesses.

“Staff from the cooperation will be available to answer questions, provide guidance on permits and approvals, receive applications, and conduct preliminary inspections where required,” said Swaby.

“This initiative, therefore, reflects our continued commitment to education, accessibility, and voluntary compliance before stronger enforcement measures become necessary,” added Swaby.

He warned that participation in these engagements should not be viewed as a substitute for compliance and urged entities operating in plazas and commercial centres to settle any outstanding signage obligation.

“Failure to do so will result in enforcement action in accordance with the law. We encourage businesses to take advantage of these outreach sessions and come prepared with the relevant documentation,” he said.

This initiative follows a previous attempt by the KSAMC to have business owners settle outstanding fees, whereby entities were given the opportunity to clear arrears at the reduced rate of 20 per cent, running from January to March 2026.

At the time, Swaby explained that the reduction was designed to support operators who faced unexpected expenses, operational disruptions, and increased community obligations due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa which made landfall on October 28, 2025.

Though enjoying some success from the initiative, with about $5 million collected as of March 5, Swaby argued that many entities are yet to pay.

“We, therefore, continue to encourage all entities displaying signs to the public, whether on private or public land, to engage the cooperation and take necessary steps to regularise.

“The outreach location and schedule will be published on the KSAMC’s website and social media platforms. Councillors, our message remains simple: Engage with us; get the information you need; regularise your signage; and help to build a safer, more orderly, and business-balanced Kingston and St Andrew,” declared Swaby.