WATCH: Westmoreland Central MP, Wright, voices concern over vendors and Sav-La-Mar market
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Central, George Wright, says that while he is in full support of the Public Order Reset, which was launched by the Westmoreland Police and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, he is not in agreement with the move to have the market vendors using the Savanna-La-Mar market.
Wright told OBSERVER ONLINE that work needs to be done in the market before it can accommodate vendors and customers.
“As it relates to the market here as we speak, there is a lot that needs to be done,” he said.
Pointing to debris and a clogged drain, Wright said that the current condition of the market is not suitable for vending.
He also added that the roofing of the market allows for rainfall to damage the goods of vendors who are in compliance with the public order.
“I spoke with a lady there and she said whenever the rain falls, she has to move her clothes. All these issues need to be addressed,” he said.
However, he sought to lend a few recommendations, one of which is to allow for the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation to do some repairs, in order to address the vendors.
The seemingly concerned MP also addressed the issue of safety in the market. He said there have been robberies in the space.
“The vendors get robbed several times,” he said.
“The Honourable Minister [Desmond McKenzie] would have pledged millions of dollars to do some rehabilitation. That has not been done as yet,” he added.
Meanwhile, Commanding Police Officer for Westmoreland, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Wayne Josephs, has called a meeting with the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation and other stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the disgruntled vendors.
“I have a meeting arranged tomorrow at 1:00 pm where we are going to be visiting the market,” SSP Josephs said.
He added that he will also make recommendations as he has been briefed about the security and sanitary issues.
However, Josephs is adamant that law and order must prevail.
“We cannot allow people to sell anywhere. We still have to continue this Public Order Reset, because safety is our main concern,” he stressed.
