News MLAs support introduction of litter law
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from December 1982.
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Modelled on similar legislation in Trinidad and Tobago, the law is to encompass various anti-litter provisions contained in other laws.
He referred to other suggestions made by committees, subcommittees and members of the public, and thought many are worth looking at.
He mentioned a suggestion that each motor car should have a mandatory litter basket in it so motorists won't be temped to throw trash out of the window. The majority of litter along the roadside comes from passing cars, he pointed out.
Another proposal was that land owners should be compelled to keep clean the shoulders of roads adjoining their properties.
Another suggestion was that owners of licensed premises should be responsible for cleaning up surrounding properties and roadsides because it was thought that a large amount of litter comes from patrons of such premises who buy drinks discard bottles and cans outside. He pointed out the importance of cleaning up and keeping Cayman clean.
He acknowledged efforts made by the various committees and individuals.
In supporting the Bill, Attorney General, Mr. Michael Bradley said that in view of the imminent visit of the Queen, it was desirable that the Bill be put through expeditiously, to make the Island presentable for the Royal visit. He said that early in the new year he would be presenting three short bills to repeal provisions relating to litter already contained in other laws at present.
Under this new law, "litter" means anything whatsoever, including dust. dirt, oddments, leavings, waste paper, cigarette ends, bottles (whether empty or not), derelict vehicles and any dead animal or carrion.'
The law makes provision for a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months for littering.
An Environmental Health Officer is given power to enforce removal of litter on any offending premises by first serving notice to the owner, occupier or individual responsible for littering the premises. Persons who fail to comply with the notice will be guilty of an offence.
Such Environmental Health Officers are empowered to enter premises at all reasonable hours.
Removal of derilict vehilces are also covered undr this law, which will require removal within 24 hours. The law further states that upon removal of derelict vehicles, the officer "may dispose of it at any time after its removal." If the owner claims it before it is disposed, he may reclaim the vehicle after paying the removal and storage fees. If the vehicle is sold, the owner shall be paid this amount minus expenses, if he claims thus before the expiration of three months.
All elected members spoke in support of the Bill. They felt that it was highly necessary and hoped that it would be enforced by the authorities.
