Kingston mayor rolls out discounts to help businesses and entertainment sector

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has announced a series of discounts aimed at easing the financial pressure on the entertainment and business sectors as the year comes to a close.

Speaking at the final 2025 monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Mayor Swaby said the council will implement a 20 per cent discount on fees for structures set up at entertainment events between December 2025 and January 2026.

The initiative is both a practical response to the fallout from Hurricane Melissa and a gesture of gratitude to promoters and entertainment stakeholders, who supported relief efforts despite their own losses.

"Entertainment and nightlife drives money moving from hand to hand in our economy," Swaby said. "When events slow down, it is not just the main players who lose income."

The mayor also announced a tiered discount programme for businesses that are non-compliant with signage regulations or owe fees, some going back seven years. The programme runs from January to March 2026, after which full payment and enforcement activities will resume.

Swaby urged operators to use the concession period wisely while noting the initiative gives businesses a fair opportunity to clear arrears and regularize their operations.

He also confirmed a special arrangement for advertising companies that settled their fees by November 30, granting them a 20 per cent discount.

"This one-time limited discount is a practical reset for businesses affected by the hurricane," Swaby said, adding that it allows them to get back on track while restoring full compliance with municipal requirements.

- Andre Williams

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