Illegally Placed Signs Removed Near Sangster Airport — Mayor Urges Compliance

The St James Municipal Corporation continued its crackdown on illegal signage on Friday, removing 20 signs posted near the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The signs, which bore messages relating to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East, were nailed to palm trees along the roadway and printed on board material.

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, oversaw the operation and reminded the public that permission must be sought before erecting any signage.

“What becomes the norm often becomes a breach of law,” Vernon told reporters. “There is a right way to do things — seek consent, reach out to the local authority and do the right thing.”

The signs were removed just days ahead of a major Caricom conference set to take place in the parish, with Vernon noting that their placement appeared intentional.

“We do not support violence anywhere in the world … but when political messaging moves into city space with signs, it becomes the responsibility of the local authority to address,” he added.

Using the Town and Country Planning Act (1978) as guidance, Vernon explained the process for obtaining approval to erect signs, stressing the importance of getting consent from both the property owner and the municipal corporation.

The removed signs will be stored by the corporation until they are retrieved.

“I’m asking the persons associated with them to cease and desist. If you want to post signs, seek permission and pay the appropriate fees,” Vernon said.

More updates as they become available.