The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has formally entered intoa strategic partnership with the University of Technology, UTech Jamaica, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancingthe capacity of members of the Building and Town Planning Committee of the Council.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening governance and improving development planning outcomes to include urban mobility, land management and the preservation of our rich land heritage across the municipality. Through this collaboration, targeted training initiatives will be implemented to build the analytical competencies of staff and Committee members and improve the overall decision-making process related to development approvals.

“We look forward to working with Mayor Swaby and his team on this MOU-it is well worth the wait. This collaboration is grounded in shared responsibility and national purpose, and it has the potential to serve as a pilot for other municipal corporations. Through responsible planning and sound governance, we aim to advance shared knowledgeand shared responsibility, while promoting rapid change through continuous training and learning,” stated President of UTech Jamaica, Dr. Kevin Brown, in welcoming the partnership

This initiative comes at a critical time as the KSAMC continues to refine its development approval and planning framework to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the management of Kingston and St. Andrew’s built environment.

Mayor of Kingston and Chairman of the KSAMC, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, noting that investing in the training and development of decision-makers is essential to achieving sustainable urban growth.

“This is more than the formalization of a partnership with UTech Jamaica, it represents a significant step in terms of how we govern, build capacity and serve the residents of Kingston and St. Andrew. By equipping our members with enhanced analytical tools and knowledge, we are better positioned to make sound, timely,and transparent decisions that will positively impact development across themunicipality,” the Mayor stated.

Mayor Swaby further thanked the leadership of UTech Jamaica, and explained that this partnership demonstrates the broader principle that governance is most effective when it is inclusive, draws on partnership and embraces innovation.

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