The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is to disburse $15 million to the St Ann Municipal Corporation for emergency repairs at the St Ann’s Bay Market in the parish.

This was announced by Portfolio Minister, Desmond McKenzie, after a tour of the facility on Tuesday.

“The Ministry is going to be providing $15 million, which we will release immediately… . There needs to be urgent repairs to the sidewalk, some cleaning up of the facility, putting on a coat of paint to lift the facility,” he said.

The minister said the commitment of the funds is in keeping with a pledge made to the vendors during a previous visit.

“I was passing the market, and a number of vendors spoke with me about the problems that they are experiencing in the market. I gave a commitment then to the vendors that I would come back today to have an extensive tour and to look at the problems and to hear from them as to what the challenges are in the market. I must tell you I am a bit disappointed about the state of the market and I do share their concerns about the challenges it poses to their livelihood,” McKenzie noted.

He pointed out that the work on the market will be extensive and it is not expected that the improvements will be completed all at once.

The minister highlighted other concerns, including the stalls on the second floor, which he said, are poorly situated and pose a danger to vendors and customers.

He noted that the Government previously provided funds for the addition of a restroom block, and the facility, when completed, will accommodate members of the disabled community.

“Those works are ongoing as I speak but there needs to be much more done to address the issues raised by the vendors [and] persons who are shopping in the market. I am hoping that the vendors will cooperate. I know that they really have real concerns, but Rome was not built in a day,” he underscored.

McKenzie informed that repairs were also recently done to the Ocho Rios Market in the parish.

For his part, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, thanked the minister and committed to ensuring that the repairs to the market commence expeditiously.

He further underscored the importance of improving the facility, noting that a facelift will not only enhance conditions for vendors but also the experience of persons who purchase produce at the facility.

– JIS