KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, MP, has announced the continuation of consultations on the establishment of a One Road Authority (ORA), an initiative aimed at strengthening coordination, improving accountability, and enhancing the management of Jamaica’s road network.
On Friday (March 20), Minister Morgan, along with Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, met with mayors from across the island to continue the consultation process, engaging municipal leadership on their experiences within the current system and their recommendations for improvement.
“Today’s meeting with our mayors is an important first step as we work to bring greater alignment to how roads are managed across Jamaica. Their input is critical in shaping an approach that is practical, responsive, and grounded in what communities’ experience on the ground,” Minister Morgan said.
The proposed One Road Authority is intended to streamline responsibilities currently shared among multiple entities, reduce duplication, and improve the delivery of road works and maintenance through clearer standards, stronger coordination, and more transparent performance tracking.
The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development is leading the policy work for this initiative to ensure that the development of the One Road Authority aligns with Jamaica’s wider infrastructure and economic priorities. The Ministry will guide the consultation process, coordinate stakeholder engagement, and support the design of a framework that strengthens governance, improves efficiency, and enhances service delivery across the road network.
Discussions with mayors focused on the realities faced at the municipal level, including challenges related to coordination, prioritisation, resource constraints, and execution. The feedback received will inform the development of a more cohesive and accountable framework.
Minister Morgan emphasised that the consultation process will be inclusive and will continue with a wide cross-section of stakeholders to ensure the final structure reflects national priorities while responding to the needs of communities.
“We are moving deliberately to ensure this approach delivers real improvements for the Jamaican people, with better coordination, clearer accountability, and a stronger road network that supports growth, safety, and connectivity,” he added.
Further consultations will take place in the coming weeks. In attendance were:
- Mr. Andrew Swaby – Mayor of Kingston
- Mr. Norman Scott – Mayor for St. Catherine
- Mr. Donovan Mitchell – Mayor of Manchester
- Mr. Danree Delancy- Mayor of Westmoreland
- Mr. Fitzroy Wilson – Mayor for St Mary
- Cllr Fenley Douglas – represented Mayor Leon Thomas of Portmore
- Mr. Sheridan Samuels – Mayor of Hanover
- Mr. Louis Chin – Mayor for St Thomas
- Mr. Joel William’s – Mayor of Clarendon
- Mr. Richard Vernon – Mayor of St. James
- Mr. Paul Thompson – Mayor of Portland
- Mr. Michael Belnavis – Mayor of St. Ann
Ministerial support and technical team: present were:
1. Mrs. Marsha Martin Henry – Permanent Secretary MLGCD
2. Mr. Dwight Wilson – Director Technical Services
3. Ms. Venesha Phillips – Advisor/Consultant MLGCD
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