KSAMC unveils 20% discount to ease post-hurricane pressure on entertainment industry

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has announced a 20 per cent discount on fees linked to structures used at entertainment events.

The measure is aimed at easing pressure on promoters and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry still recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

It will run from December 2025 to January 2026, covering the festive season.

The update was given yesterday by Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby at the final monthly meeting for 2025 of the KSAMC.

Swaby described the initiative as both a practical response to the fallout from the Category 5 hurricane and a gesture of appreciation to stakeholders in the entertainment industry, many of whom supported national relief efforts despite suffering losses themselves.

Swaby’s announcement was met with thunderous applause from council members.

“This is our way of offering support at this challenging time. We hope this gives the entertainment industry some breathing room as they support the recovery process while sustaining themselves. We also encourage them to continue supporting the relief efforts,” the mayor said.

He underscored the sector’s economic importance, noting that entertainment and nightlife drive income for a wide cross-section of Jamaicans.

“When an event is held, many people, including promoters, selectors, security teams, bar operators, vendors and taxi operators all benefit,” Swaby said, adding that when the sector slows, it is not only the main players who feel the impact.

Turning to the business community, the mayor revealed that several operators remain non-compliant with signage regulations, with some owing fees for as long as seven years.

To encourage compliance and boost municipal revenue, the KSAMC will introduce a tiered discount programme from January to March 2026 to allow businesses to regularise their accounts.

Swaby said that after March 31, 2026, all accounts will revert to full payment, and enforcement will proceed under the law.

He also disclosed that advertising companies which settled outstanding arrears by November 30 will qualify for a 20 per cent discount.

Swaby said the one-time concession is intended to provide a practical reset and help operators clear longstanding arrears while returning to full compliance.

-Andre Williams

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