WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – While local law enforcement earned high praise for smooth traffic control and public safety, business operators and vendors in Westmoreland are reporting mixed fortunes following the People’s National Party (PNP) annual conference in the parish.

Sunday’s conference marked the first time the PNP was holding its annual conference outside the Corporate Area. Westmoreland was chosen as all three political constituencies are represented by the PNP and it is also the parish where Hurricane Melissa made landfall.

For several brick-and-mortar business operators, the large influx of patrons brought a welcome boost in revenue. Restaurants and storefronts situated near key hubs reported steady foot traffic and full parking lots throughout Sunday as supporters gathered for the public session of the conference.

However, the heavy congestion in parking areas proved to be a double-edged sword for neighbouring establishments. A few business owners reported losing regular patrons who turned away due to a lack of parking spaces.

Hayden Anthony Salmon, resident of Cornwall Mountain division, is happy that the PNP conference was held in his parish of Westmoreland.

“I can’t wait for it to be over,” one frustrated business owner noted, pointing out that their parking lot was completely filled with conference attendees rather than paying customers.

Roving and stationary vendors similarly offered mixed views on the day’s turnout. While vendors appreciated the decision to host the event locally in their parish, several noted that hosting the conference in Kingston would have yielded higher profits due to broader sales opportunities along the transit route.

“The conference is good, it’s a good turnout, but di people dem nuh have no money. We need a change a government,” one vendor stated.

Young Patriots enjoying the celebrations at the PNP annual conference in Westmoreland. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Another vendor, Janet Sinclair, echoed those sentiments regarding the event’s location, remarking, “Mi woulda do better if it did keep a town, because mi would sell innah di bus go, sell at the venue, and sell coming back. But mi cyaah complain.”

Despite concerns over sales and parking challenges, attendees and locals commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force for their strong presence and management. Anticipated traffic delays were kept to a minimum – while movement was slow, vehicular traffic remained steady throughout the day thanks to police personnel stationed at key points.

At publication time, authorities reported a peaceful event with no major security incidents or disruptions.