People convicted of littering could face a fine of EC$5,000 under tougher measures announced by Cabinet as part of a national zero-tolerance campaign against illegal dumping.

The Government will take the legislative steps required to increase the penalty.

In a major incentive for public reporting, Cabinet also agreed that 50 per cent of any fine collected will be paid to a person whose information leads to the successful identification and prosecution of a littering offender.

Reports must be made through the Police Tip Line.

The measure is intended to encourage residents to help authorities identify people who indiscriminately dispose of garbage and other waste.

Cabinet said stronger enforcement is needed to address dumping along roadsides, on vacant land, at beaches and in other unauthorised areas.

Households, businesses and motorists are being urged to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid dumping unwanted appliances, construction material and household garbage in public spaces.

The Government said public education and community clean-up programmes will continue alongside stronger enforcement.

Cabinet stressed that keeping Antigua and Barbuda clean is a shared responsibility and warned that littering and illegal dumping will no longer be tolerated.