In a decisive move to enhance transparency, consistency, and accountability in the development approval process, His Worship the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP has announced the establishment of a three-member review panel. This marks the first time the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is engaging a panel of experts to provide strategic direction in improving its developmental processes. The independent panel will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the procedures, laws, and regulations governing the municipal corporation’s planning and development framework.

 

The initiative follows concerns raised over the last three years about inefficiencies in the development approval processes and the enforcement of planning and building guidelines. Issues such as public dissatisfaction, litigation, and challenges in balancing the interests of residents, developers, and regulators have underscored the need for an objective evaluation.

 

The review panel comprises three distinguished professionals with extensive expertise in urban planning, development, and sustainable practices:

1. Dr. Copeland Stupart, who is an Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Justice of the Peace for St. Catherine. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Planning from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Urban Planning from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Magna Cum Laude) from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. He has also completed Postgraduate Diplomas in Education from UTECH and in Bioethics from Clarkson University. Dr. Stupart is the Chair of the UTECH Research Ethics Committee and serves as an executive member of the Caribbean Network of Research Ethics Committees, a subcommittee of CARPHA.

 

2. Mrs. Lorna Perkins, who is an Urban and Regional Planning Consultant with over 30 years of experience. She holds a Master’s degree from the International Institute for Aero space Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC) in the Netherlands, a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Technology (formerly CAST), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. Her expertise spans government reform, strategic urban planning, and the integration of advanced GIS technologies. Mrs. Perkins has held senior leadership positions, including Deputy General Manager for Planning and Development at the Urban Development Corporation and Senior Director at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

 

3. Mr. Kevin D. Guscott, who is a consultant with nearly 40 years of experience in real estate, urban planning, and sustainable development. He holds a Master of Science in Sustainability in the Urban Environment from the City College of New York(CUNY), a. Master of Arts in Urban Policy and Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from Brooklyn College (CUNY). Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Land Economy and Valuation Surveying from the University of Technology, Jamaica. Mr. Guscott is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Biomimicry Institute, and other esteemed professional organizations.

 

The panel’s work will focus on identifying weaknesses and deficiencies within the current development application process and proposing actionable recommendations. Key objectives include:

• Aligning municipal processes with international best practices.

• Developing clear procedures to enhance transparency and consistency.

• Establishing a planning risk profile for applications.

• Enhancing resource allocation and stakeholder engagement.

• Fostering development that is safe, inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and economically viable.

 

The deliverables will include a comprehensive assessment document, recommendations for updated procedures for application processing, and a public awareness presentation to share findings and plans as well as a full implementation and monitoring plan.

 

Mayor Swaby emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that, “as the local planning authority, we must ensure that our processes are robust, transparent, and equitable. This independent review will allow us to address existing gaps and set a foundation for a sustainable future that benefits all stakeholders in the city.”

 

The review is expected to be completed within the first quarter of the year, with an implementation plan and schedule to follow shortly after.

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