KINGSTON, Jamaica — Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby says his team will assess a section of the Pearnel Charles Arcade not currently being utilised to determine if it can be prepared for the vendors to sell their goods during the fast approaching Christmas season.

Swaby was speaking Tuesday following a meeting at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation with 56 vendors who were badly affected by Monday’s fire at the arcade.

The mayor disclosed that he was working with the vendors who he commended for being understanding throughout the process.

“They have made several suggestions which I believe is worthy to look at. For example, there is a section that is not being utilised now without a roof and they say we could put something like a tarpaulin on it and provide some lighting inside there and those who can pick up their pieces to start before Christmas season kicked in. And we are willing to look at that,” the mayor said, noting that he has asked the city engineering department to do an assessment.

“Overall, there weren’t being unreasonable. I believe that they recognise that our hands are tied and they are willing to work with us through the process. There is an existing committee, vendors committee there that we have committed to have that discussion on a regular basis and to get them there,” he continued.

Swaby noted that he had received the preliminary report from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) but said the cause of the fire has still not been identified.

“We have said it before, is that the building is insured and the goods are not insured and they know that…And we have said to them that we are unable to clear the spot because they (JFB) are conducting their investigation. And as soon as they finish the investigation, they will give us the go ahead to clear the location,” he explained.

The mayor noted the vendors’ interest in getting insurance going forward and he committed to working with them on that matter.

“They have brought up questions where how could they come in on our insurance and insure their contents and I promised them that those are things that we can explore but they have to make sure that they are organised in their body, working for the betterment of not just themselves, but for the city of Kingston,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Pearnel Charles Vending Committee, Andrew Payne said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

“I get a sense of inclusion, a connection, how we can go forward when things arise, when problems or issues arise, we know that they can be dealt with,” Payne shared.

He said he hopes the authorities can get the space ready before the Christmas season so vendors can sell their goods.

“The immediate would fall in getting the space that is there vendor ready so they can have a little space to do some selling for the Christmas. Cleaning up the space and get it covered as best as possible,” he added.

Likewise, one of the vendors said she was satisfied with the meeting and called on Mayor Swaby to seek further assistance from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on behalf of the vendors.

“I am holding him responsible to see how quick we can get our life together by getting the roof up and see that we can mark out a spot and move on. We know it is very hard and difficult but we’re asking him to make a request onto the minister of labour to see what he can do for us,” Diane Beckform said.