New MPs-elect bid farewell to KSAMC

Member of Parliament-elect Dennis Gordon has pledged to work closely with his former colleagues in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to advocate for the reform and strengthening of local government across Jamaica.

In a farewell address during Tuesday’s monthly sitting of the KSAMC, Gordon said his first priority in Parliament will be to push for two per cent of central government revenue to be allocated directly to local authorities, a move he believes would significantly improve service delivery and governance.

“If we fix some of the local government issues, we will ultimately address many of the central government issues,” Gordon told councillors. “That will be my first stroke in Parliament.”

Gordon, who represented the Maxfield Park Division, also announced plans to advocate for the introduction of a reverse mortgage programme for retired councillors, particularly those who served prior to the implementation of the new public-sector compensation scheme.

“None of our colleagues should retire without financial security,” he said. “They gave so much and got so little. The time is now to right that wrong.”

The proposed programme, he explained, would allow retired councillors to have their property valued and receive a percentage of its worth to support them in their later years, without having to repay it during their lifetime. The funds would be recovered through the eventual sale of the property or by family members willing to assume the obligation.

Having served multiple terms in the KSAMC, Gordon described his departure as bittersweet. Though he will now serve in Parliament, he reaffirmed that his political identity remains deeply rooted in local governance.

“In every fibre of my body, I am a councillor. That is where my journey began,” he said. “This elevation to Parliament will not change that.”

He expressed gratitude to colleagues on both sides of the political divide for their support over the years, and called for continued modernisation and unity within the council.

He also urged councillors to embrace technology, noting that while tablets had been introduced during his time, they remain underused.

“We have the tablets, but they are not being used. Let us use the tools provided to improve the work of the council,” he urged.

Gordon further reiterated his commitment to remain engaged with the KSAMC and said he would collaborate with other former councillors now in Parliament, including Delroy Williams and Duane Smith, to ensure the voice of local government is not lost at the national level.

“We have a responsibility to reshape the municipality, and we can only do that through robust advocacy to ensure that we get what we deserve,” he added.

Former Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams, also addressed the sitting, joining Gordon in bidding farewell to his colleagues as he too transitions to the national legislature.

Reflecting on more than two decades of service at the municipal level, Williams reaffirmed his passion for local government and pledged to continue advocating for its strengthening in Parliament.

“Though I’ve moved on to another level, the level of Parliament, my heart is, honestly, at local government,” he said.

Williams emphasised that while there are several issues within local governance, the solution lies in increased funding and building institutional capacity.

“I’ve seen the functioning of local government, and I know there are areas that need strengthening. But if we are going to serve the people well, there are some things that just need to remain at the local level,” he said. “What we need is to build the capacity of local government.”

He stressed the importance of continued collaboration with Gordon and other former councillors now in Parliament to represent municipal issues with one voice.

“We are local government practitioners, you can’t take that away from us. Dennis and I will champion those issues. We’ll always have dialogue, and we’ll make our position very clear in Parliament,” he said.

Both Gordon and Williams credited the spirit of cooperation within the KSAMC for many of its accomplishments over the years, and urged current councillors to preserve that legacy.

“We don’t benefit by hindering,” Williams said. “We are building a city for our children and grandchildren. Let us support the municipality and continue the work of advancement.”

In closing, both men thanked their colleagues for their mentorship, support, and friendship, with Gordon noting that some of those bonds would last a lifetime.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com