How can the penalties be improved?

Fining someone for growing something in their own property if they were unaware of its classification may be a bit steep. And I’m talking 1 or 2 not 10 or 20. Educating the public about the Plant Finder and the classification of species might be time better spent. I do however believe that a nursery or grower found to be selling any Class 1 or Class 2 invasive species should be fined heavily. As a grower they should be acutely aware of what is on that list. And just because it’s called out on a design plant schedule doesn’t mean a landscaper should use it. As a landscape professional, they should say it is not supposed to be planted and request the designer find a substitute. And as for items that grow up by natural distribution, when they are young, non horticulturally astute individuals may not recognise them, but as they mature you can and then the onus should be on the owner to remove them in line with the law.

Here's a thought, might be too complicated: fines, if necessary, should be used to subsidize horticultural education for Bermudian students. We need more horticulturists, skilled landscapers (not slash-and-trash clear cutters), arborists, and botanists. Moreover, these are jobs that often appeal to students who have a lot to offer in terms of being hardworking problem-solvers, but aren't well suited to desk jobs. I know a lot of homeowners who'd like to do the right thing with their yards but spend a fortune on landscapers who whack the slow-growing ornamentals along with the weeds.

We need more people whom are not afraid to enforce the penalties associated with each crime.

The penalties are excessive and imprisonment is also excessive.