KINGSTON, Jamaica – The political landscape in Kingston has been shaken as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) intensifies pressure on Mayor Andrew Swaby to step down amid a growing corruption controversy involving the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
At a press briefing held at the JLP’s Belmont Road headquarters, party representatives raised serious concerns about alleged politically motivated distribution of resources within the KSAMC. JLP spokesperson Senator Marlon Morgan accused Mayor Swaby’s administration of engaging in unethical practices that favored supporters of the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) over others.
Morgan revealed that leaked communications show a senior KSAMC official directing a PNP representative to determine the political affiliations of individuals in central Kingston before granting them work and assistance from the corporation. According to Morgan, this directive resulted in benefits being extended only to known PNP supporters, contradicting Mayor Swaby’s previous assurances of impartiality in resource allocation.
“The mayor’s statements regarding fair and transparent governance at the KSAMC are now proven to be misleading,” Morgan asserted. “The evidence suggests that public resources have been weaponized for partisan gain, which is an affront to good governance and democracy.”
In addition to allegations of partisan favoritism, Morgan dismissed Swaby’s claims that funds disbursed to PNP operatives on KSAMC grounds were privately sourced. He argued that such assertions lacked credibility and further undermined public confidence in the mayor’s leadership.
“The inconsistencies in Swaby’s statements, coupled with leaked audio and exported messages discussing resource distribution among PNP officials, leave us no choice but to demand his immediate resignation,” Morgan stated. “The people of Kingston deserve leadership that is beyond reproach and committed to transparency.”
The unfolding scandal has caught the attention of law enforcement, with multiple investigative bodies reportedly reviewing evidence linked to the controversy. While official probes are still in their early stages, political analysts suggest that the case could have significant ramifications for both the KSAMC and the broader political landscape in Jamaica.
As calls for accountability grow, the political future of Mayor Andrew Swaby hangs in the balance, with both his party and the electorate closely watching how the situation unfolds.
