Stiffer penalties coming for breaches of Factories Act

Stiffer fines and penalties are coming for owners of unregistered factories in Jamaica who breach the provisions of the Factories Act.



The 1968 legislation contains fines and penalties, which no longer serve as a deterrent to persons who continue to disregard the provisions.



Attorney General Senator Dorothy Lightbourne says 600 factories are now operating without being registered.



She says the proposed fine for non-registration will move up from $100 to $100,000.



Senator Lightbourne says custodial sentences not exceeding 6 months could be imposed by a resident magistrate in cases where persons are in default of payment.