Swaby defends leadership of KSAMC

MAYOR of Kingston Andrew Swaby has scoffed at the criticism of his leadership by Councillor Rohan Hall (Jamaica Labour Party, Red Hills Division). What began as a smooth resumption of monthly meetings for the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) after a brief summer break abruptly shifted during Swaby’s routine announcements. He used that moment to address Hall’s letter to the Jamaica Observer which was published under the headline ‘Leadership is about results, not excuses’.

In his letter Hall critiqued the current KSAMC leadership, trustworthiness, and commitment to delivering the needs of the city and its residents. “Now, councillors, I am willing to accept criticism, whether it comes from within this corporation or outside it, but I am inclined to view with some caution a letter on leadership and results from someone who rarely presents when the actual work of this council is being done. And it’s a testament today,” said Swaby, as he pointed to Hall’s absence from Tuesday’s meeting.

“It is difficult to take serious accuracy of the corporation’s performance from a councillor who does not consistently attend committees or leaves before these issues are being discussed,” chided Swaby. The People’s National Party (PNP) side of the council erupted, chanting “shame” and “empty barrel” as the mayor continued to address Hall’s criticisms. Swaby defended his decision to highlight the shortcomings of the previous JLP-led Administration of the KSAMC, as he argued that he was not using facts as an excuse, but rather to provide the public with truth and context.

“I suspect, councillors that some people would prefer that I say nothing about the condition in which this Administration found the corporation. They would rather the people of Kingston and St Andrew not know about the poor governance, financial mismanagement, and other shortcomings we inherited,” said Swaby. He argued that the shortcomings he found when he took over the KSAMC were many with the most significant being a $400-million inherited debt, which should have been paid in general bills and retention fees.

“They would rather not discuss the decision, such as the approximately $40 million spent by the previous Administration to construct 40 shops at the Jubilee Market, after the UDC [Urban Development Corporation] had rehabilitated the market and handed it over to the KSAMC.