A series of health fairs, commencing on February 25, through a collaboration between the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is set to benefit vendors in the Downtown area who are being urged to make use of services provided.

“I am pleased to inform you that the KSAMC will be partnering with the Minister of Health and Wellness and Dr Jeremiah Augustus to host a series of free health fairs in the downtown area specifically for our vendors,” said Mayor Andrew Swaby, who was speaking at the monthly KSAMC meeting with city councillors on Tuesday.

The mayor noted that many vendors work extensive hours every day of the week, which, he says, does not leave them ample time to attend to their health and wellness. He urged them to take the opportunity to prioritise their health and to make use of the free services offered.

“These hard-working men and women spend six and in some cases seven days a week in the streets serving customers and keeping downtown Kingston vibrant. Too often, the man thought of their work leaves little time for regular medical check-ups, causing their health to take a back seat,” he said.

According to Swaby, the first health fair will be held at the Jubilee Commercial Centre from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, where members of the public, and specifically sellers, are welcome to participate in check-ups.

“Vendors will be able to access blood pressure checks, HIV screening, blood sugar testing and cholesterol screening all in one location and at a time designed to suit their schedules,” he said.

Swaby reiterated that the project was implemented to benefit those who do not have adequate access to healthcare and would serve as a direct response to their needs.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to caring for the people who give so much to our city and to creating opportunities for them to care for themselves. I strongly encourage all downtown vendors to take advantage of this opportunity and to prioritise their health,” he said.