The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is looking to retain the majority of the municipal corporations on the back of what it says is its record of performance while the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is looking to wrest control of the corporations from the JLP by boring holes into those claims.

Representatives of both parties made the case as to why their party should be given the nod during Saturday night’s second and final debate dealing with local government issues ahead of the February 26 local government election.

In his closing statement, the incumbent Mayor of Kingston and Chairman of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation representing the JLP, Delroy Williams, said “We stand here committed to a purpose and committed to making local government the best it can be.

“We represent a team of local government representatives who are dedicated to the betterment and improvement of the quality of life of our citizens”.

Williams said the JLP has a track record that speaks for itself and went on to list what he said were notable achievements of his party including:

-Over 220,000 Jamaicans now have access to clean water where they previously had none, with thousands more to benefit as the government continues to roll out its pipeline extension project.

-The JLP has repaired over 2,500 roads islandwide with another 2,000 roadways to be added under the $40 billion SPARK programme.

– Over 64,000 young people have been employed under the Youth Employment Programme.

-The JLP has constructed over 200 houses under the Social Housing Programme with over 500 more to be built in the upcoming fiscal year that starts April 1.

-Has purchased over 100 trucks for the National Solid Waste Management Authority.
For its part, the PNP played up its election slogan ‘Time Come’ during its closing argument as the party’s representative, Kaydian Harty, listed reasons why the JLP should not retain control of a majority of the municipal corporations after the election.

Harty, who will be contesting the Claremont Division in the St Ann Municipal Corporation on the party’s behalf said: “It is good when people believe in their leaders but it is even better when leaders believe in their people”.

She continued with “We believe in you Jamaica, your capacity, your dreams, your hopes, your aspirations”.

Harty said local government and community development is about a country’s most significant resource – its people. She argued that “despite what the Jamaica Labour Party has tried to present to you tonight, ask yourself, ‘Are you seeing and feeling this development they currently boast about?’”

Harty then listed the reasons why the JLP should not retain control of the parish councils including:

-The parochial road network is at its worst.

-Markets are filthy and lack the necessary sanitary conveniences despite being a major economic hub in most communities.

-Many communities in 2024 are still relying on catchment tanks and the trucking of water as their main source of potable water.

-Communities are dark and lack streetlight and are a haven for crime and violence that have also spiraled under the JLP government.

Stating that “Your tax dollars are being used and abused,” Harty said “time come for change”.

She said the PNP was “dedicated to transforming local government with dedicated and competent representatives and a local authority that is centred around you”.

“Vote for change, vote for citizen participation, healthy communities, access to critical services, new and innovative thinking, proper garbage collection and economic development,” Harty urged as she looked into the camera.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie and candidate Richard Vernon also represented the JLP during the debate while Harty was joined on the PNP side by candidates Scean Barnswell and Andrew Swaby.