ST ANN, Jamaica — Chairman of the St Ann Parish Council Desmond Gilmore announced on Thursday, that the Council will be giving all registered vendors in the three major markets in the parish a back-to-school amnesty. Registered vendors in the Brown’s Town, St Ann’s Bay and Ocho Rios markets are expected to benefit.

Gilmore, who was addressing the Council’s monthly sitting, said a 50 per cent amnesty will be given to vendors who owe outstanding fees. In addition to that, the council will waive market fees for all registered vendors for the month of August.

Gilmore said the decision was made because the Council is “cognizant of the economic burden” faced in back to school preparation. Stating that education should remain a priority, Gilmore said “the Council is proud to lift that burden somewhat.”

Gilmore explained that while some people will be benefiting from a tax break, vendors do not pay income tax and will not benefit, resulting in the Council’s decision.

Renae Dixon