KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby is again calling on the Government to begin conversations about proposals 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.

Minister with responsibility for works, Robert Morgan, on November 25, 2025, during an Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) seminar, announced that plans were in motion to consult with the island’s municipal corporations and other stakeholders about the framework that will govern the One Road Authority.

But on Tuesday, Swaby told the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) that he was still awaiting correspondence from the minister, despite a clash between the two in January, in which Morgan described Swaby’s continued criticism of the proposed One Road Authority as premature and misguided.

“After much public discussion surrounding the concept of the One Road Authority, the KSAMC, along with other local authorities, is still awaiting the meeting that was promised by Mr Robert Morgan to discuss this proposal.

“We believe it is important that the minister provide clarity on this matter, and meaningful consultation with local authorities will be essential as these discussions move forward,” said Swaby.

He told the meeting that he is still anticipating an opportunity to talk with Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange regarding the proposed establishment of a single avenue to access the hosting of entertainment permits through central government, dubbed the “One-stop shop” system.

The initiative, placed back on the front burner last August, is to enable promoters and organisations staging events to submit a single, centralised application, which will then be routed to the relevant regulatory agencies.

According to Grange, the programme will enhance operational efficiency across the entertainment and creative industries, while simplifying the event approval process for stakeholders.

However, Swaby raised concern with the practicality of the initiative, noting that municipal corporations play integral roles in planning events and ensuring public safety.

“Local authorities are best equipped to manage the practical and logistical aspects of these activities. We have trained and experienced officers who conduct inspections of event sites, including structural integrity of stages and other temporary structures, to ensure that they meet the required safety standards before permits are granted,” he said.

Swaby added that without adequate planning and communication, before the launch of the programme, event planners and attendees may be put at risk.

“In addition, the work carried out by the Corporate Disaster Management Department is specifically geared towards safeguarding patrons and ensuring that proper risk mitigation measures are in place. This includes reviewing site layouts, assessing emergency access routes and ensuring that appropriate safety protocols are established for large public gatherings,” explained the mayor.

Swaby charged that central government should continue to function as a regulatory body and allow local authorities to handle the implementation of services, raising the point that residents should have access to authorities should any issues arise.

“The KSAMC firmly believes that central government should focus on policy development, oversight and strategic direction, while the execution and day-to-day implementation of services should remain with local authorities, where the work is closest to the people and where accountability is at its most immediate.

“It is therefore critical that the operational role of local government and local authority is respected and strengthened, rather than replaced, particularly in areas where public safety is directly at stake,” argued Swaby.

— Renae Osbourne