KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to enhance oversight and accountability within the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Mayor Andrew Swaby has announced the formation of a new Advisory Committee.
The committee is designed to promote transparency, ethical leadership, and efficient governance within the municipality. It will operate alongside existing oversight structures rather than replace them. Key stakeholders, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Citizens’ Right to the City, and the Jamaica Small Business Association, played a role in selecting the ten appointed members.
According to Mayor Swaby, discussions are underway with the Social Development Commission (SDC) to appoint an additional representative from the community.
“We have ten members, including a chairman and vice chairman, and we are engaging the SDC to bring in a representative from the community,” Swaby said.
A Temporary but Necessary Measure
Swaby emphasized that the creation of this committee fills a governance gap while the SDC completes an audit of its Party Development Committee (PDC), which traditionally serves a similar advisory function.
“The reason we haven’t had a dedicated advisory committee since 2016 is because the PDC was already in place,” he explained. “However, with the SDC currently reviewing its committees, we saw the need to implement an interim body.”
Swaby acknowledged that the duration of the committee’s operation remains uncertain.
“I can’t say how long it will function,” he admitted. “The SDC is making progress, but we have to wait for them to finalize their process.”
Key Responsibilities
The Advisory Committee will focus on financial oversight, public engagement, and service quality. It will review KSAMC’s operations to ensure the municipality upholds its commitments to residents.
“The committee will examine financial management, service delivery, and our obligations to the public,” Swaby stated. “For example, the municipal budget should be openly discussed with citizens, and this committee will help facilitate that process.”
Additionally, the body will provide recommendations on audit findings, particularly when concerns are raised by the Auditor General’s office.
With the establishment of this committee, the KSAMC aims to reinforce governance standards and maintain public confidence while awaiting the completion of the SDC’s structural review.
