Kingston Mayor Warns NaRRA Act Will Override Local Municipal Regulations

Andrew Swaby, the Mayor of Kingston, Jamaica, has voiced strong concerns regarding the newly enacted National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Act 2026. During a council meeting, Swaby warned that the legislation significantly undermines the authority of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC). He highlighted Sections 21 and 22, which allow NaRRA to impose strict timelines on local inspections and issue directives that bypass standard zoning requirements or independent assessments. Furthermore, Sections 23 and 24 permit the relevant minister to issue stepping orders if the corporation fails to comply, effectively allowing central government officials to override local regulatory decisions without public transparency or parliamentary reporting. Swaby criticized the government for rejecting amendments proposed by the Opposition and civil society organizations aimed at addressing these governance issues. He urged councillors to thoroughly review the act to understand its immediate impact on local governance and statutory functions, emphasizing the shift in power from local authorities to the central government.