PORT MARIA, St Mary — Coming out of a meeting with local stakeholders, Port Maria Mayor Fitzroy Wilson is optimistic that there will be no illegal vending in the town centre during
Christmas.

He has also warned that there will be tighter anti-vending measures in place in 2025.

“We had over 40 registered vendors attending the meeting where it was highlighted the way forward in regards to vending during this period; the vendors were all satisfied,” Wilson told the Jamaica Observer.

“Over 30 spots have been identified for vending and vendors should get registered to get a space. Based on the recommendations by the police, vending will not be allowed in some areas where it will cause congestion,” he added.

The area was cleaned ahead of the expected influx of vendors that usually show up for Christmas.

“We washed and sanitised the town and cleaned all the major drains and removed all the garbage in preparation for this,” said Wilson.

But street vending in assigned areas will only be allowed up to the first week of January next year.

“As of January 6, all things are back to normal,” Wilson said.

The mayor pointed out that there is space available in the Port Maria Market and he appealed to vendors to use it.

“The market is safe, it has electricity, bathroom facilities, water and it protects you from the elements of the weather,” he urged.

He also gave an update on two other major markets in the parish. He is hoping construction on the Highgate market will begin by the next quarter, while the Annotto Bay Market is undergoing a $21-million renovation.

— Ingrid Henry