KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to strengthen municipal governance, Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby has announced the creation of an Independent Advisory Committee, aimed at driving accountability and ensuring greater transparency in the operations of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
Unlike existing oversight bodies, this new committee will function as an independent entity, providing expert recommendations on governance, financial integrity, and public engagement. The ten-member team, which includes a chairman and vice chairman, was appointed with input from key civic organizations, including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Citizens’ Right to the City, and the Jamaica Small Business Association.
Mayor Swaby hinted that further expansion is expected, as discussions with the Social Development Commission (SDC) are ongoing to appoint a community representative.
“This committee is designed to bring fresh, independent perspectives to the table,” Swaby stated. “We are working with the SDC to ensure that community voices are also reflected.”
Rethinking Governance in Kingston
The introduction of this committee marks a departure from traditional oversight methods, filling a critical gap in municipal management. While KSAMC previously relied on the Party Development Committee (PDC), a structure under the SDC’s purview, that body has been under review, leaving a void in proactive governance measures.
“This is about ensuring that Kingston’s municipal leadership is held to the highest standards,” Swaby explained. “We can’t wait for bureaucratic processes to catch up—we need action now.”
A Watchdog for Public Interests
The Advisory Committee’s core mandate will be to evaluate financial management, monitor service delivery, and enhance public participation in municipal decision-making. One of its immediate priorities will be ensuring that budget discussions are more accessible to residents of Kingston and St Andrew.
“The people of this city deserve full visibility into how public funds are being managed,” Swaby said. “This committee will push for a higher level of civic involvement and accountability.”
Beyond budgetary oversight, the committee will also serve as a critical response unit for governance concerns flagged by the Auditor General. Swaby emphasized that this proactive approach is key to ensuring that issues are addressed before they escalate into major controversies.
With this new framework in place, Kingston’s leadership is signaling a commitment to reform, aiming to foster a more transparent, responsive, and citizen-focused municipal government.
