MONTEGO BAY, St James — Long-time advocate of greater autonomy for the country’s municipal corporations, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has thrown his support behind a move that critics have warned may give central government oversight over roads once managed by the county’s local authorities.

“I am optimistic about what can be achieved through a more robust framework, but equally mindful that ORA [the proposed One Road Authority] should serve as an opportunity to strengthen local authorities,” the mayor told the Jamaica Observer.

He was responding to a request for an update on a March 20 meeting held to give him and other local level leaders an opportunity to have a say in the process of setting up the ORA.

Vernon remains committed to his stance on the vital role of municipal corporations — like the one he chairs.

“Community roads remain the most pressing pain point within our body politic, and empowering local governance to address them must be central to this reform,” he insisted.

It is within this context that he has welcomed the recent talks with Minister with Responsibility for Works Robert Morgan and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie.

“The consultations on the One Road Authority have been encouraging, and the Government’s direction to organise road management and establish clear standards is both plausible and timely,” Vernon told the Observer.

“The feedback from colleague mayors was positive and supportive. They raised various concerns that were addressed at the meeting,” he added.

In a release after the March 20 meeting, Morgan stressed the importance of having input from the country’s mayors in the ongoing discussion on how Jamaica’s roads are managed. “Their input is critical in shaping an approach that is practical, responsive, and grounded in what communities experience on the ground,” the works minister said.

He is part of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development which is taking lead on the policy work for the ORA. The ministry’s focus will be on ensuring that ORA’s development aligns with Jamaica’s wider infrastructure and economic priorities.

According to the release, the proposed ORA “is intended to streamline responsibilities currently shared among multiple entities, reduce duplication, and improve the delivery of roadworks and maintenance through clearer standards, stronger coordination, and more transparent performance tracking”.

Vernon described the March 20 meeting as “encouraging”.

“The consultations have been useful in surfacing key issues and setting the stage for a framework that balances national standards with local capacity,” he told the Observer.

“I, therefore, look forward to the drafted legislation, which will allow myself and colleagues to provide more informed feedback and recommendations to ensure ORA is inclusive and responsive,” he added.