KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) launched a major crackdown on street vending Wednesday to clear vendors from in front of the Kingston Parish Church and along Upper King Street.

In a firm move to reclaim the area, the municipality deployed municipal police and 15 environmental wardens, with support from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and erected no-vending signs to prevent vendors from returning.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby says the move is part of the KSAMC’s push to enforce order and keep the streets clear of illegal vending.

He said the no-vending rules in the area have been long established and vendors were not taken by surprise

“We had had the conversation and informed persons we have written to these persons and told them when we will be enforcing the law,” he shared.

Swaby cited congestion at the entrance to the parish church and improper garbage disposal as some of the reasons driving the enforcement exercise.

“This is about public order, and we are not fighting against vendors; what we are doing is trying to organise the vendors in a way that they can achieve more,” Swaby said.

He noted that many vendors in the area have dedicated vending spaces in the designated arcades, which the mayor admitted were, in some cases, in need of repair.

The crackdown got support from some vendors, taxi operators and other members of the public, who welcomed the move to reclaim sidewalks and clear congested thoroughfares.

A taxi operator who identified himself as ‘Jason’ described it as “a good look”

“Look how the place look free,” he commented, sharing that previously it was hard to manoeuvre vehicles in the area because of the congestion.

Others say the enforcement drive could bring greater order to the streets, improve access for pedestrians and motorists, and restore a sense of control to busy commercial areas