Chairman of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation and Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby says a proposal to centralise the processing of entertainment permits encroaches on the remit of municipal corporations.
During Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the corporation, Mr. Swaby described as troubling the proposal to reintroduce a national one-stop shop for event permits, a system that would route all applications through a central platform under the Entertainment Ministry’s oversight.
The announcement was made by Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange during a recent contract signing event.
But Mayor Swaby said such a move could risk duplicating an already existing and proven system. He also called for greater clarity on how the proposed change would be implemented.
“The role of the ministry should be to guide policy. The day-to-day operations for processing and granting permits already falls under the mandate of local government authorities, which have the expertise and established system in place. At the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, we follow a strict and consultative process for major events. Promoters, the police, fire brigade, ODPEM (Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management) and other relevant agencies are all part of our review. Any attempt to centralise or duplicate this process at the level of the ministry will not only create confusion but also undermine the clear legal framework,” he contended.
Mayor Swaby said strict oversight mechanisms have been established and adhered to in relation to the issuance of event permits at the KSAMC.
“We ensure public safety, proper structure, clear emergency exits, smooth traffic management and full compliance with the Places of Amusement Regulation,” he insisted, adding that “Local government must be allowed to carry out its function without unnecessary interference.”