Mandeville, Jamaica – A significant debate is unfolding across Jamaica regarding proposed government initiatives to centralize national road management and the processing of entertainment permits. Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell has emerged as a vocal critic, arguing that these plans risk eroding the fundamental functions of municipal authorities and undermining local governance.
At the heart of the controversy is a dual proposal from the national government. Firstly, plans are underway to establish a “One Road Authority” aimed at consolidating oversight and management of the island’s extensive road network, addressing decades of fragmented responsibility and inefficiencies. Secondly, Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange has championed the reintroduction of a national “one-stop shop” for entertainment event permits, intending to streamline applications through a central platform managed by her ministry. This initiative seeks to simplify the process for promoters by providing a single point of application, a system previously piloted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Mayor Mitchell, speaking at a recent sitting of the Manchester Municipal Corporation, expressed strong opposition to both proposals. He contended that if responsibilities for road management and the regulation of entertainment venues – a function currently vested in local councils under the Places of Amusement Regulations – are removed, municipalities would be left with little beyond basic welfare services and building plan approvals. “If you remove roads from us [and] entertainment regulation from us, it is simple, close down the municipalities, because what else would the municipalities have to do?” Mitchell questioned, emphasizing that such a move would contradict the mandate given to them by electors.
Mitchell’s concerns are echoed by other municipal leaders. Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has also voiced strong objections to the centralized entertainment permit system. Swaby argues that local government bodies like the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) already possess the legal mandate, expertise, and established consultative processes to handle such permits effectively, involving various stakeholders like the police and fire brigade. He views the ministry’s proposed centralisation as potentially duplicating existing systems, creating confusion, and undermining the legal framework that grants local authorities their authority.
The government’s push for a single road authority is part of a broader effort to tackle the long-standing challenges of road maintenance, planning, and accountability in Jamaica. Past initiatives, including the SPARK Programme (Shared Prosperity Through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network), highlight the scale of the problem, with over 27,000 kilometers of roads managed by multiple entities and significant investment planned to bring the network up to standard. The establishment of a centralized national road registry is also in development to provide a comprehensive census of all roads and their responsible entities.
Meanwhile, the debate over entertainment permit centralization touches upon ongoing discussions about local government reform in Jamaica. For years, the country has pursued reforms aimed at granting greater autonomy and scope to local authorities in managing local affairs, emphasizing citizen participation and accountability. The current tension between central government initiatives and the established roles of municipal corporations highlights a recurring theme in governance discussions within Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean region, where decentralization and local empowerment remain key policy objectives.
Mayor Mitchell suggested that the government’s proposals might be “gimmicks” or campaign promises, and expressed hope that “good sense will prevail” against these centralizing measures. The outcome of these proposals will have significant implications for the distribution of power between national and local government, potentially reshaping how essential services like road maintenance are delivered and how the vibrant entertainment sector operates within Jamaica. The coming parliamentary discussions will be crucial in determining whether the centralized approach gains traction or if local authorities retain their crucial functions and autonomy.
This news follows recent developments in local government reform and ongoing efforts to professionalize and regulate the entertainment industry in Jamaica, a dynamic sector vital to the Caribbean nation’s culture and economy. As the news unfolds, stakeholders and citizens will be watching closely to see how these significant policy shifts impact governance and daily life across the island.