Temporary Vending Permits To Be Granted Over Christmas Season By St James Municipal Corporation
Christal Gooden
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, says the St. James Municipal Corporation will be issuing temporary vending permits to persons during the upcoming Christmas season.
"I have been in discussion with the Commercial Services Department (of the Corporation) to see how we can issue temporary vending permits and identify the areas in which we will be allowing these persons to vend," the Mayor said at a press conference hosted at the St. James Municipal Corporation on Friday, October 26.
Montego Bay, like the capital city, Kingston and major towns across the country have problems every year with street vendors as hundreds of people descend on town centres and display their wares. Often this takes up sidewalks and even roadways.
In talking about the "temporary" permits Mayor Davis underscored the importance of persons vending at designated locations. "Public spaces must, at all times, have clear access. Wherever illegal vending or illegal obstruction is taking place, then the police have the authority to remove and prosecute those persons responsible," the Mayor emphasized.
"We are not saying individuals are not to make an honest living, but while doing so, you should not endeavour to make life difficult for persons who are going about their lawful business," he said.
Meanwhile, the Mayor said that promoters who are having large events during the holiday season must have closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) installed at the venues, before a permit can be granted by the St. James municipality.
CAPTCHA * + =