LOCAL government is the foundation of governance in any democratic society. It serves as the closest link between the Government and the people, ensuring that essential services such as road maintenance, waste management, public health, and community development are effectively delivered. However, in Jamaica, local government has long been crippled by inadequate resources, making it nearly impossible for councillors to fulfil their responsibilities to their constituents.

What is Local Government and How is it Funded?

Local government operates at the municipal level, addressing the specific needs of communities that are often overlooked by central government policies. It includes municipal corporations and the councillors who represent various divisions within these structures. The core responsibilities of local government include:

• Infrastructure maintenance (roads, drainage, water supply)

• Waste collection and public sanitation

• Issuance of permits and local business regulations

• Disaster preparedness and response

• Community development and social welfare programmes

Despite its crucial role, local government in Jamaica struggles with severe underfunding. The primary sources of revenue include:

1) Property taxes — A major revenue stream, though compliance remains a challenge

2)Motor vehicle licensing — Fees from motor vehicle licensing

3)Local fees and charges — This includes revenue from trade licences, market fees, and building permits, but these do not generate substantial income.

The Financial Struggles

One of the main challenges facing local government in Jamaica is its inability to secure consistent, adequate funding. The reality is that the financial resources available to municipalities are insufficient to meet the growing demands of communities. Councillors, who are the front line representatives of the people, are expected to perform their duties with limited resources, which severely limits their effectiveness.

Many of the challenges faced by local authorities stem from the central government’s failure to prioritise local governance. The national budget overwhelmingly favours central government ministries, while local government is left to rely on property taxes, motor vehicle licensing, and other limited revenue streams. The result? Poorly maintained roads, inadequate water supply, inefficient garbage collection, and an overall decline in public services at the local level.

Hurricane Beryl: A Harsh Reminder of Local Government’s Disregard

If there was ever a moment that highlighted the Government’s disregard for local government, it was the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. How can a country experience a natural disaster of this magnitude and not provide resources to councillors, who are the closest elected representatives to the people?

In the wake of the hurricane, we saw Members of Parliament (MP) receiving financial allocations to assist their constituents with relief efforts. While we are not against MPs receiving funding as they, too, represent the people, how can you completely disregard councillors and municipal corporations, the very entities responsible for addressing local emergencies?

Councillors were left to scramble without any direct financial assistance from the Government to assist residents recover from the disaster. The people in our communities, many of whom lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic necessities, needed immediate, on-the-ground assistance. But instead of empowering councillors to do their jobs, the Government once again ignored the importance of local representation.

The Poor State of Roads

Jamaica must take decisive steps to reform and properly fund its local government system. The people deserve roads that are maintained, efficient garbage collection, access to clean water, and public spaces that are safe and functional. These are not luxuries, they are necessities, and local government must be empowered to provide them.

Road infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues facing communities across Jamaica. For years municipal divisions have suffered from deteriorating roads, potholes, and a lack of proper drainage, making commuting difficult for both residents and businesses.

While we acknowledge that phase one of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme has been introduced to address local roads, there are growing concerns about whether it will come to full fruition and, even if it does, how effectively it will address the widespread issue of poor road infrastructure. In some divisions, only one road is set to be rehabilitated, while others fear they may not receive any roadworks at all.

While the programme is a start, it is evident that it cannot adequately address the long-standing infrastructural deficits within local government jurisdictions. Many divisions have dozens of roads that require urgent attention and a piecemeal approach will not resolve the issue. A comprehensive, well-funded road rehabilitation plan is needed to ensure that residents have safe and reliable roads to travel on.

A Fixed Allocation from

For local government to function effectively, it must receive a guaranteed allocation from the national budget. The current system, in which local government is left to fend for itself with limited revenue sources, is unsustainable. Municipalities across the country need a structured financial framework that ensures they have the resources to meet local needs.

A fixed national budget allocation would:

• Ensure predictable and stable funding for municipal corporations and divisions

• Reduce dependency on inconsistent revenue streams, such as property taxes and licensing fees

A Caribbean Example: Trinidad and Tobago’s Success in Local Government

The country has implemented a Municipal Corporations Act, which grants local government authorities greater autonomy in decision-making and financial management. Additionally, the Trinidadian government has established a Local Government Reform Program, which ensures a dedicated allocation from the national budget for local government.

Empowering Local Government

In addition to broader funding reforms there must be the establishment of a Divisional

Development Fund (DDF) — a dedicated financial allocation for each municipal division, similar to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) available to MPs. This fund would allow councillors to directly assist their communities by covering critical areas such as:

• Education assistance (scholarships, back-to-school support)

• Infrastructure improvements (small road repairs, drainage projects, lighting)

• Social development activities (sports programmes, community initiatives)

• Business grants (support for micro and small enterprises to stimulate local economic growth)

• Emergency assistance (disaster relief, funeral grants, welfare support)

The Way Forward for Jamaica

The Government must seriously reconsider how it treats local government. The exclusion of municipal authorities from hurricane relief funding, the lack of direct allocations in the national budget, and the continued financial struggles of municipal corporations all point to a fundamental disregard for the critical role local government plays.

If we are truly committed to nation-building, then the Government must show more regard for local governance, and that starts with inclusion in the national budget. The implementation of the DDF would be a concrete step towards empowering councillors and enhancing local service delivery.

The time for empty promises is over, a structured, sustainable funding model for local government must be established. The call is clear: Invest in local government, invest in Jamaica’s future.

Kijana Johnson is the People’s National Party councillor for the Race Course Division.

Kijana Johnson

The Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme has been introduced to remedy the poor condition of Jamaica’s road network. (Karl McLarty)