Vendors get reprieve in Port Maria
Published:Tuesday | December 18, 2018 | 12:00 AM
PORT MARIA, St Mary:
Vendors will be allowed to operate along Main Street in Port Maria, St Mary, this festive season, but under the watchful eyes of the police who will ensure that law and order is maintained.
Mayor of Port Maria Richard Creary explained that there will be no traffic changes in the town, but was quick to point out that areas that are not blocking the public space will be used for vending activities.
"Those areas will be designated for vending for a period of time," he said.
"We will allow persons to pay a fee to occupy various space for the Christmas season, but come January 1, 2019, such privileges will be discontinued. Areas that are allowed for vending are along Main Street near the courts building, where a few persons will be accommodated, sections of Stennett Street, and the entrance to Palmer's Park," he added.
Great care
Creary noted that great care was taken to identify empty spaces, which will not create any hindrance or inconvenience to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Additionally, Creary pointed out that persons (an approved number) will also be allowed to conduct vending in front of the post office and also near Scotiabank in Port Maria.
"Those areas will be designated and the police will be out in their numbers to ensure that the public thoroughfare and roads are kept free. It is going to be difficult come Grand Market day as there will be an influx of vendors and other persons. We are well aware that on that day, anywhere they (vendors) find to set up shop, they will. But we have a job to do in ensuring that law and order is maintained and to ensure that the general public does not suffer any inconvenience," Creary further said.
The mayor, who admits that he expects the town of Port Maria to be abuzz with commercial activities, reiterated that there will be no breakdown of law and order in that town, as the police will be carrying out their duties in a professional manner. He argued that although Christmas is a celebratory period, the lives of ordinary citizens will not be disrupted at the expense of anyone.