Growth & Jobs | Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Partners launch ‘See It. Snap It. Fix It.’ platform

Residents, business owners and visitors to downtown Kingston can now report problems affecting the public environment and track their resolution through a new digital platform, as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Kingston Restoration Corporation (KRC), under the Downtown Kingston Redevelopment Initiative (DKRI) step up efforts to improve the cleanliness, public order and management of the historic commercial district.

The platform, titled ‘See It. Snap It. Fix It.’, was officially launched on Thursday, October 29, through a partnership involving the DKRI, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the National Works Agency (NWA).

See It. Snap It. Fix It. provides a QR code-based reporting system for users to submit photographs and details of issues like illegal dumping, overflowing garbage bins, blocked drains, damaged sidewalks, potholes and faulty streetlights. This system currently allows reports to be made in all the streets in the following areas: South Parade to the North; Ocean Boulevard to the South; East Street to the East and Orange Street to the West.

Reports are referred to the relevant agencies for attention, with users receiving email updates on action taken. The system also allows agencies to track recurring problems, monitor outstanding issues and better coordinate responses.

Addressing the launch at the KSAMC offices, chair of DKRI, Michael McMorris, said the platform represented an important expansion of the organisation’s efforts to improve downtown Kingston by involving the wider public in identifying and addressing problems.

He explained that DKRI has been working with private and public sector partners to improve the management and maintenance of a defined section of downtown, with the intention of creating a model for further expansion.

“Maintaining downtown Kingston cannot be the responsibility of any one organisation. This is why See It. Snap It. Fix It. matters. Businesses, residents and other users of the district have an important role to play in identifying problems and helping to keep the area in good condition,” he said.

McMorris pointed to encouraging results from the DKRI’s Keep It Clean campaign launched a year prior, which encourages businesses to take responsibility for maintaining the areas immediately outside their premises.

He said these improvements, driven largely by the participation of over 70 companies, demonstrated the value of sustained attention, strong partnerships and shared responsibility in transforming the downtown environment.

Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby described the platform as a practical mechanism for strengthening the corporation’s ongoing efforts to improve public spaces across the municipality.

He said the initiative builds on the KSAMC’s Cleaner Kingston Initiative, introduced approximately two and a half years ago to address indiscriminate dumping, inadequate garbage collection, and the deterioration of public spaces.

The mayor noted that while the initiative would initially focus on downtown Kingston, similar challenges exist in other areas, including Cross Roads, Half-Way Tree, Papine and Manor Park.

He emphasised, however, that the effectiveness of the new reporting system would depend on agencies following through on issues brought to their attention.

Councillor Swaby encouraged businesses, residents and visitors to take an active interest in maintaining their surroundings by using the platform to bring problems to the attention of relevant authorities. He also stressed that reporting must be accompanied by responsible waste disposal practices, public education and individual accountability.

Meanwhile, KSAMC Minority Leader Councillor Donovan Samuels welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical step towards bringing greater order to Kingston.

“Cities which are organised produce better countries. And, the truth is, our Kingston city is not as organised as we would love it to be. So, we need more order,” he said, adding that he would encourage his constituents to participate as the initiative expands.

The See It. Snap It. Fix It. reporting platform can be accessed at https://www.seeitsnapitfixit.org/report.