Furthering the controversy of the appropriateness of a recent Rude Boy billboard that was erected in Rockfort, St. Andrew, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby provided clarification on the KSAMC&rsquo;s indication to have the billboard removed.
The billboard, which displayed the branded product Rude Boy and elevated legs adorned by fishnet stockings and high heels on either side of the bottle, was both criticized for its profane nature and admired by some for its approach to marketing. The artwork also included the brand name &ldquo;Rude Boy" and a tag &ldquo;#drinkrude.&rdquo;
In the KSAMC&rsquo;s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Swaby underscored that the required approval wasn&rsquo;t given for the billboard. He also highlighted that the local authority is not the body responsible for the approval of the contents of the artwork on billboards.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Approval from the corporation relates primarily to the specifications of the sign itself, including size, placement, structure, location, and compliance with planning and safety requirements.&rdquo;
He said the billboard was erected in a &ldquo;sterile area,&rdquo; which does not allow for such advertising material to be placed.&nbsp;
Public criticism and commentary have been sparked throughout social media about the nature of the billboard and its location in the vicinity of a school.&nbsp;
Following up on this, Swaby disclosed that public criticism and backlash did not influence the KSAMC's decisions.&nbsp;
From a video posted on the KSAMC&rsquo;s platform, however, Chief Executive Officer Robert Hill said, &ldquo;We, like the public, agreed that its content was highly offensive.&rdquo;
The KSAMC is moving to strengthen engagement with outdoor advertising companies amid growing concerns about billboard regulations and enforcement across the corporate area. Mayor Swaby says the municipal corporation has resumed talks with industry players, with both sides agreeing to continue consultations on a quarterly basis.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby provided clarification on the KSAMC’s indication to have the billboard removed.

KSAMC: Rude Boy billboard was not approved