Stricter anti-litter laws proposed as government vows to crackdown

The government is moving to introduce stricter laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat widespread littering, as part of a broader push to improve public health, environmental standards, and national pride.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, has signalled that new legislative amendments are being finalised to address what he described as the “indiscriminate and unacceptable dumping of refuse”.

In a recent social media address, Minister Nandlall expressed concerns over the persistent dumping of garbage on city streets, into drainage canals, and in public spaces, warning that such behaviour undermines efforts to build a clean, safe, and health-conscious society.

“We cannot continue to tolerate this level of disregard for our environment and public health,” he said.

The attorney general noted that littering has become both a sanitation issue and a cultural challenge requiring firm legal intervention.

The proposed amendments to existing laws will introduce stronger penalties for offenders, with authorities expected to adopt a more aggressive enforcement stance.

The government is also examining mechanisms to ensure that offenders are more consistently identified and prosecuted.

The AG stressed that the initiative is not only about punishment but also about changing public behaviour. He called on citizens to adopt more responsible habits and to take collective ownership of the country’s cleanliness.

The push against littering comes amid broader government concerns about its impact on drainage systems, particularly in urban areas where clogged canals contribute to flooding.

DPI