KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby on Tuesday hit out at what he perceived to be an attempt by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, to interfere unnecessarily with functions of local government.

Swaby, who is the councillor for the Vineyard Town Division, raised concern about a recent statement made by Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange regarding proposed changes in the process of applying for and the granting of permits for entertainment events.

Grange recently expressed desire to see a reintroduction of a national “One Stop Shop” for event permits. With this system, all applications would be routed through a central platform under the ministry’s oversight.

“I find this to be troubling. The role of the ministry should be to guide policy. The day-to-day operations for processing and granting permits fall under the mandate of local government authorities which have the expertise and established systems in place,” Swaby said during Tuesday’s sitting of councillors at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

“At the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, we follow strict and consultative processes for major events. Promoters, the police, fire brigade, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and other relevant agencies are all part of our view. We will ensure a public safety, proper structure, clear emergency exits, smooth traffic management and full compliance with the places of amusement resolution,” Swaby added, explaining that any attempt to centralise or duplicate this process at the level of the ministry will create confusion and undermine the clear legal framework.

He said, “Local government must be allowed to carry out its function without unnecessary interference”.

Swaby touched on other noteworthy topics during his address to the councillors, including the cleaning up of the streets after the September 3 General Election, as well as progress made by mobile property tax collection teams.

“Now that the elections are over. Our focus must return to the cleaning up and beautification of the municipality. This includes the removal of political signs, flags, drapery and other material from the streets and communities. Presently, political parties are not required to pay any fees to the KSAMC for placing campaign materials across the municipality. I believe the time has come for us to review this arrangement. We should engage the political parties in a serious discussion about introducing a system whereby they provide a deposit or refundable bond to the KSAMC before erecting campaign signs.”

Swaby said this bond would be refunded if all materials are removed within a specific period following the election. If the materials remain, the KSAMC would retain the funds to cover the cost of removal.

“I noticed on social media where one Member of Parliament has started that process. We should seek to enforce the timelines stated by the Political Ombudsman regarding the removal of all campaign paraphernalia within 14 days after the election. This measure will help to ensure that our public and residential spaces will be clean, safe and orderly. As per my instruction, the chief executive officer has already written to the general secretary of both political parties requesting that they ensure the removal of all campaign material,” Swaby said.

In relation to property taxes collected by mobile units between June and August, Swaby explained that the service was introduced because of the important role property taxes play in supporting the services offered by the municipality.

“Between June and August 2025, the KSAMC, in partnership with Tax Administration of Jamaica and supported by the Ministry of Local Government, held five property tax collection drives in Kingston. Two were held at the Emmanuel Christian Academy in Norbrook, while others were held at Tropical Plaza on Constant Spring Road, Meadowbrook Community Centre and the Liguanea Plaza on Old Hope Road.

“The goal was to remind citizens of the critical role property tax plays in supporting municipal services, increase voluntary compliance and reduce arrears. Just over $4.6 million was collected. I thank the team that coordinated this effort. Given the positive results, we will be expanding this initiative to other parts of Kingston and St Andrew. Councillors, let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to the mission of the KSAMC, carrying forward a spirit of teamwork and service that defines us,” Swaby urged.