KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, is calling on the Government to engage in dialogue with municipal corporations regarding its proposal to reintroduce a centralised permit system for entertainment events and the establishment of the One Road Authority, which will regulate the management of Jamaica’s road infrastructure.

Swaby, in a recent statement, argued that both proposals signal a move to centralisation, which he said threatens the foundation of municipal corporations.

“We strongly believe that if this is to take place, municipal corporations should be the central authority. As you are aware, for many years, municipal corporations have been responsible for parochial roads, community infrastructure and the regulation of entertainment events. We have built the system, the capacity and the partnership to carry out these functions responsibly and efficiently,” Swaby said.

He noted that municipal corporations have played an integral role in these processes, coordinating with agencies and working closely with the police, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), and health and sanitation teams to ensure that these events are safe and compliant.

“The system, the shift of a single central authority of roads and national permit system for entertainment will remove two of our core functions. If roads and event regulations are taken away, what remains with the Local Government? These proposals reduce accountability, distance decision-making from communities and weaken the voice of local authorities who best understand the local needs. We are not opposed to reform; we are opposed to reform without consultation,” Swaby added.

The mayor called for a nationwide municipal engagement before any step is taken in relation to the proposals. This, he said, should include formal dialogue with all municipal corporations, technical workshops with their roads and work departments, public forums across parishes and a full assessment.

“Any policy that reshapes local governance must be built on transparency, evidence and the principle of decentralisation. We stand ready to work with the Government, but we also stand firm in defending the integrity of Local Government. Strong communities require strong local authorities. Let us strengthen the local government system to function as a central authority to provide these services and not step in and take steps to sideline it,” he added.