Dear Editor,

Globally, street vending is a fascination for tourists and locals alike, and Jamaica is no different. It is an ingrained aspect of our cultural diversity and will continue to be in the long haul.

“Border” in St Elizabeth/Westmoreland is a renowned national gem. Delectable fried fish and peppered shrimp are a favourite of many travellers. Then there is the jerk chicken and pork men, who can be seen dotting convenient locations.

Ask any visitor to Jamaica and they will inform you that their first food of choice is our sumptuous jerk chicken. In recent times patties have joined the list.

And so the popular Heroes’ Circle crab vendors came under scrutiny this week. The unsavoury act of a female vendor who went viral, because another vendor videoed and shared, created opposing firestorms. Some members of the public were outraged and merciless in their condemnation, while others berated the vendor who released the video.

If one is at all concerned about his/her health and safety, then one should be disturbed and appalled by this act, which it is alleged is more common than one is led to believe. It should be noted, however, that many street vendors are hygienic and this one incident should not be used to broad-brush all.

The response from health inspectors and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) was swift — an immediate closure was ordered. Several breaches were cited which rendered the facility inoperable for continued business.

Considering the onset of COVID-19 and the strict regulations imposed on the public to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines, it is fair to say the authorities dropped the ball on this facility. “Crab Circle” was renovated in April 2022 but no sanitary conveniences were provided. Building the necessary infrastructure should be done — and swiftly.

For these people, crab vending is their only livelihood and they are now left without the means to provide for their families.

The next move should be to examine similar street-vending operations to ensure that sanitary facilities are in place.

Let us not further chastise the messenger. Good can come from this. The ministries of labour, tourism, and health should move quickly to restore the image of this gem. The vendors know now that it will not be business as usual.

All consumers matter.

Sekard

jadrakes60@gmail.com