Mayor Andrew Swaby Respond To Media Reports Alleging KSAMC Misuse of Public Funds

Press Release From the KSAMC - 20250131: 

Mayor Andrew Swaby

                                        

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has taken note of recent media reports regarding alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes. As the Mayor of Kingston and Chairman of the KSAMC, I wish to reaffirm my commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. If an anti-corruption probe is underway, we welcome it and stand ready to cooperate fully, as we continue to uphold the highest standards of public service.

To provide clarity on how resources are allocated in the absence of an elected Councillor, it is important to note that when there is a vacancy in a municipal division, the allocation of resources in those areas falls under the responsibility of the Mayor. This is the case in Denham Town (West Kingston), Olympic Gardens (West Central St. Andrew), and Chancery Hall (North West St. Andrew), where vacancies arose due to the passing of Councillors and the elevation of a Councillor to a Member of Parliament.

Ahead of the Christmas period, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Members of Parliament (MPs) representing these divisions—including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) —were contacted regarding the allocation of funds. The OPM was included because the Prime Minister is the MP for the constituency where one of the vacant divisions is located. 

Had my approach to allocating resources been driven by partisanship, I would not have engaged the MPs to facilitate the distribution of these funds. Instead, I deliberately engaged them to ensure transparency and that resources reach communities through their elected representatives. 

Furthermore, I must make it clear that:

·      Municipalities do not disburse cash.

· At no point did the KSAMC authorize or facilitate cash disbursements to any individual. If any such transaction took place, it was not sanctioned by the Corporation and did not involve public funds.

The KSAMC, under my leadership, remains committed to integrity, responsible governance, and the proper management of public resources. As public servants, we are entrusted with ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of all residents of Kingston and St. Andrew, and I take this responsibility seriously. I will continue to uphold the trust placed in us by the people we serve, ensuring that all allocations follow established policies and best practices. 

__________________________