MAYOR of Kingston Andrew Swaby is urging market vendors to acknowledge that poor market conditions are not a justification for illegal vending, noting that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is ramping up efforts to improve more markets.

Speaking Thursday at his first quarterly press conference at the KSAMC building, which marked his first 100 days in office, Swaby highlighted the progress made by the KSAMC during his tenure and outlined future plans.

However, when asked about the issue of illegal vending specifically in the downtown area of the city, Swaby said he plans to continue discussions with vendors, not only to help them understand the consequences of their actions but to hear their concerns and reach a suitable agreement.

“I want to start off with the issue of moral suasion, and I want to recognise that a lot of our markets are in deplorable condition, which is not an excuse for illegal vending, but we have to have an honest discussion with vendors, we have to also educate the vendors that you are selling and you might look at hustling, but your business cannot thrive in untidy environments and chaos,” he said.

“I have said to the vendors that they need to have an organisation where they have someone representing where we can sit around this same table to discuss these issues. I don’t want to have a heavy-handed approach to say do not do this and do this. I want us where we can show you what you are doing wrong, you can talk to us to say what you would love to see, and we can work it out,” Swaby added.

However, he noted that completely fixing this issue cannot be done immediately.

On the other hand, Swaby, in his speech, expressed pleasure with the work done so far to improve several markets across Jamaica, specifically the Cross Roads Market, which he said was on the verge of shutting down.

“After meeting with the Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department and reviewing their assessment of the Cross Roads Market, we identified a number of critical concerns…The meat house was one of the main areas of concern and we have effectively addressed by washing and sanitising the facility. We also conducted a two-day extermination exercise. The countertops have been resurfaced with stainless steel sheeting as recommended by the Public Health Department. Additionally, the parking area was resurfaced, and a chain link fence installed along the adjoining gully,” said Swaby.

He added that eight hand washstands were installed, while the sanitary conveniences at the facility were refurbished. He said that they are also in the process of installing a garbage bay at the market.

Providing an update on the Jubilee Market, Swaby promised that it was almost ready for occupation and will be dedicated to the sale of haberdashery goods.

“It will feature updated shops, better security, and an environment that supports ease of doing business. The plumbing work is completed, and electrical works should be completed in short order,” he said.

Swaby also acknowledged his efforts to work with the National Solid Waste Management to improve on timely garbage collection, sanitation, and waste management.

However, despite seeing improvements, Swaby said more work needs to be done to improve waste management, specifically in downtown Kingston.

“The bigger picture now is the downtown area because we are in a commercial district where those are commercial garbage, and one of the thing I want to engage the National Solid Waste Management Authority on how can we go in to these companies to make sure that they have a valid contract with a reputable service provider to collect these garbage, because if you pass downtown at nights, most times you will see the boxes just put at the front for the National Solid Waste Management to collect. That is the task at hand and that will be the second phase of the ‘Clean Up Kingston’ initiative,” said Swaby.