More space for vending over holidays in St Catherine
Published:Saturday | December 24, 2022 | 1:27 AMRasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott says vendors have been given permission to sell on some streets in the Old Capital for the holiday season.
“We have given the streets to those who depend on vending for a living. I know that we are just getting out of a pandemic, so this is how we are assisting them in having a festive season,” said Scott, who chairs the St Catherine Municipal Corporation.
Since December 4, 2022, and through to January 7, 2023, sections of Burke Road to Oxford Road, French Street, and Manchester Street have been earmarked for vending.
“We have also given up spaces in Linstead for people to sell in an orderly fashion such as Fletchers Avenue, King Street, and Rose Duncan Park,” the mayor said.
Vendor Marcia Wignal is pleased with the expanded vending zone to do business over the Christmas and New Year holiday season.
“I am very glad that the municipal people dem and the mayor give we di road as it really challenging pon wi,” she told The Gleaner. “I just hope that it is a peaceful season wid no rain and plenty customers.”
St Catherine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dennis Robotham said this was a noble gesture on the part of the municipal corporation.
“There is no question that people are just recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, so any help to earn is welcome,” Robotham told The Gleaner.
“This arrangement must be at some cost to the coffers of St Catherine Municipal Corporation, so it’s timely,” he added.
Similar relaxations for street vending are also in effect in towns such as Ewarton and Old Harbour in the parish.
But although there is more space for vending, concerns still linger about the price of goods, especially in the Spanish Town Market.
“While the place a open up, we realise that the prices of vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and other items are getting more expensive. This is so because the farmers are [mainly] selling to the hotels,” explained vendor Delroy James.
Superintendent Derrick Champagnie, acting head of the St Catherine North Police Division, recently revealed that the police have increased their numbers as commercial activities and the holiday festivities pick up.
Councillors across the parish have also received funds for drain cleaning and other projects during the holiday season to brighten the surroundings.