Crab, soup vendors eager for glimpse of Will and Kate
Sellers relocated as Heroes Circle stalls demolished, new ones under construction
Published:Monday | March 21, 2022 | 12:08 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
Nearly seven years ago, during preparations for the arrival of then United States President Barack Obama, crab, corn, and soup vendors who sell along the southwestern end of National Heroes Circle in Kingston were temporarily dislocated.
Now, on the brink of the arrival and visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Jamaica on March 22, they will again be temporarily moved, but with the promise of new stalls to be handed over to them in a matter of two weeks.
The 11 crab vendors welcomed the demolition by government authorities on Sunday.
The vendors reported that beverage manufacturer J. Wray & Nephew Limited has promised to construct new stalls, which they expect to be completed in two weeks.
They will be temporarily relocated to other sections of Heroes Circle until the work is completed.
When contacted, a representative of JWN said the company would comment at a later time.
While the demolition was taking place Sunday, Shannakay Francis said that she is eager to receive the new accommodation but she won’t express happiness unless she is satisfied with the finished product or if Their Royal Highnessess, Prince William and Kate Middleton, stop by to whet their appetite during their three-day tour of Jamaica.
“Obama never stop, so dem can stop and get a visit and buy something, too,” Francis said.
Her aunt, Precious Stewart, with whom she shares a stall, said they would be ready to wave and welcome Their Royal Highnessess if they pass by.
“We want them stop! We a go out yah thick!” she said.
Her husband, Paul Stewart, said he would join his wife in welcoming the duke and duchess.
“It is good to see Jamaica still a welcome dem, and we a go welcome dem! It’s a good sight when dem come,” he said.
The itinerary issued by state media, the Jamaica Information Service, did not indicate whether the royals would travel along Heroes Circle.
Another crab and corn vendor, Nadine Francis, told The Gleaner that she was elated about the new accommodations and hoped that the more salubrious environment would attract more customers.
“Mi feel good bout di new stall. A years dem promise this,” said Francis, who said her mother once sold from the Heroes Circle site.