KINGSTON, Jamaica — Deputy Chairman for the Jamaica Labour Party’s minority Caucus in the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) Delroy Williams is calling for the mayor to implement fire mitigation systems in downtown Kingston markets.

“These fires are becoming a trend and unless we help the vendors so they can have a first response to fires the damage will continue and worsen;” Williams said.

Having seen both the Old Harbour and Brown’s Town markets destroyed by fires this year, the JLP senator believes that public education and a few extinguishers could save millions of dollars and several lives in the future.

“We can be proactive with this and equip the markets as we would a public workspace which in truth is what it is,” he stated.

The JLP senator also assured that he would be appealing to the minister of local government to ensure that the vendors receive as much help as is possible, to return to normality.

Williams said that days ago he spoke with the chairman of the Urban Development Corporation to share the vision for development of the market.

“The market’s operation and efficiency must be central to any discussion about the redevelopment. The markets must fit properly into the stimulation of economic activity, especially if we are serious about transforming Kingston into a cultural and commercial hub;” Williams continued.

The current layout and condition of the market in downtown does not fit into the vision to make Kingston a major commercial hub and a cultural center, he said, adding that the issue has his full attention.