OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Customers hoping to take their cars to recently opened Chinese-operated garage Sparks Auto Repairs in St Ann’s Bay have been left disappointed.

The establishment has shuttered its doors, apologising to clients in a hand-written note that says it will “close for some days” as it “had some problems to sort out”.

According to the note, customers will be advised when the repair shop reopens.

On Monday, when the Jamaica Observer visited, a Chinese man who said he spoke limited English suggested the reporter return in a week. By Tuesday, the sign was up, and no Chinese were in sight. There were what appeared to be customers’ vehicles parked in the yard of the garage and, outside the gate, one disappointed car owner. He had hoped to get his Toyota Probox serviced. The man, who opted not to provide his name, expressed concern about the closure and said he hopes the repair shop will reopen soon.

“Me did hear something like them don’t have any permit. But right now, me come to fix my car and see the notice that them lock, so I don’t know if that is what they are working on or what,” he told the Observer.

It is unclear whether the Chinese staff members have permits but his speculation stems from an ongoing labour ministry probe into the legal status of a group of Chinese mechanics who operate Whole Hearted Company Services Limited in Ferry Pen, St Andrew. That establishment was recently shuttered, but not before it became widely popular and attracted long queues of clients.

Sparks Auto was also a hit, and according to signage on the property, it was a “chill spot” that also provided “road rescue”. Services offered included body work, paint, vehicle repairs, wheel alignment, tyre repair and car wash. There was one post on social media about a week ago showing a number of cars in the garage being serviced.

“Oonu haffi come from early cause out ya always busy enuh,” urged the man who created the post.

“See it ya, nuh fully open up yet, but they are getting there slowly but surely. Missa Chin a work pon my vehicle now, desso di ting de ya now!” he added.

On Tuesday, the Probox owner who missed out on having his car looked at before the shop was shuttered said he heard about it on social media and also from another driver.

“Me see them pon TikTok and me also know a taxi man that bring his car down here. Him tell me say after them done work on him car it feel brand-new,” the man wistfully told the Observer.

“Remember a Chinese build car, so they know how to fix them back as well, and them will do better than the Jamaican mechanic,” he added.

He said the prices were also very attractive.

“The man them charge one price and get everything done. So that is a deal and me just can’t wait for them to open back,” said the motorist.

It is unclear when that will be as efforts to get a comment from Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles Jr were unsuccessful up to press time.

If, like Whole Hearted, the St Ann location is having permit issues, that will depend on the labour ministry.

Speaking to the Whole Hearted case on April 25, the ministry said if its probe finds anything to substantiate reports that the Chinese there were conducting business at the location without the necessary work permit and employment documentation, any irregularities or breaches identified will be thoroughly assessed.

“The ministry will ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken and sanctions applied where necessary,” it said in a release about Whole Hearted. “Additionally, once everything has been found to be in compliance with the law, steps will be taken to facilitate the resumption of operations under the proper conditions in the shortest possible time.”