Swaby dismisses claims of partisan disbursement of funds

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has moved to address reports regarding alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes.

Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby explained that when there is a vacancy in a municipal division, the allocation of resources in the area 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.

Swaby stated that ahead of the Christmas period, the Jamaica Labour Party Members of Parliament representing these divisions, including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), were contacted regarding the allocation of funds.

He said the OPM was included because Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is the MP for the constituency where one of the vacant divisions is located.

Swaby asserted that he did not act in a partisan manner.

“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,” he said in a media release today.

The Kingston mayor stated that municipalities do not disburse cash and that at no point did the KSAMC authorise 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.”

Swaby said the KSAMC, under his 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 practises.”

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