KINGSTON Mayor Desmond McKenzie says he is optimistic that the malaria outbreak in sections of West Kingston will not affect vending in downtown Kingston this weekend.

“I don’t believe that malaria or any other epidemic will prevent persons from coming downtown to buy. We have the shuttle bus service in operation, and already, the shuttle bus is coming under severe pressure because it cannot cope with the amount of trips that it has to be making,” McKenzie said. “Malaria is of concern, but right now that is at the back of a lot of people’s minds because people see this as an opportunity to make some money. People are also seizing this opportunity to ensure that they get the best bargain that is possible,” the mayor added.

Vendors in downtown Kingston, where there is normally an influx of shoppers, told the Observer that they were not aware of any malaria cases in the area. However, like McKenzie, they said the outbreak has not affected sales.

“Me nuh hear say anybody have it or nutten. Me nuh hear nuh other vendors a say like anybody have it; It nuh really a affect me still,” a shoe vendor along Church Street said.

Sophia Pitt, a vendor in the Pearnel Charles Arcade, told the Observer that although sales were slow, she did believe that it was as a result of the outbreak as the relevant authorities had ensured that the market is kept clean.

“Me nuh know of anyone who it [malaria] affect, but it nuh badda me; me can only talk for myself. Is just say tings kinda slow right now. People just a look,” Pitt said. “Dem really keep the place clean – even the bathroom,” Pitt added.

A shoe vendor selling in the same arcade agreed.

“Is just a slow ting a gwaan, still. Me nuh hear nobody a bawl bout malaria or nutten like dat,” she said.” We nuh know of dat.”

Another vendor who lives in Tivoli, where a number of malaria cases have been found, said she was not fearful.

“It [malaria outbreak] naah really affect me still. Me badda than malaria. From yuh constitution strong everything will all right. Me live inna Tivoli, right inna the place where them have the malaria, and nutten nuh do me,” added the vendor, who was selling her goods in the Redemption Ground marketplace.

“From yuh constitution strong it naah affect yuh,” the woman reiterated.