As Complaints Rise Officials Tour But Vendors Were Tipped Off
More than 20 officials from the St Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) and at least five other agencies including police toured Ocho Rios town Friday, September 15, to get a first-hand look at vending.
Mounting complaints by business leaders and civil society in the resort town are that the takeover of the town by vendors is resulting in great disorder and several other social problems.
The tour Friday was led by the chairman of the SAMC, Mayor Sydney Stewart; CEO of the SAMC, Jennifer Brown Cunningham; other officers and several municipal police; representatives of the NSWMA, Tourism Product Development Company, St Ann Development Corporation (SADCO) the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, among others.
The group saw vending in many areas including Main Street, the public park at the clock, across from the clock at the Towne Centre, complete takeover of Market Street.
The walk-about was announced at the SAMC’s general meeting Thursday by Chairman Sydney Stewart. Mayor Stewart said there had been complaints about vending leading to other problems and the Council would be going on tours of Ocho Rios, St Ann’s Bay, Brown’s Town, Claremont, and Runaway Bay. He said there would be discussions with vendors to get their ideas. Mayor Stewart said vendors would also be advised about areas that were ‘no vending’ and would be warned. But no date was given or plan stated for enforcement which the police have been calling for.
As the team walked the town it was clear vendors had received notice of the visit. As the party moved slowly on foot some vendors could be seen gathering their produce and dry goods and securing them in private spaces. Others who had goods displayed in or on their vehicles drove away as the touring party arrived.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Rushelle McGibbon Scott, the senior police officer on the tour, spoke with several vendors warning them that enforcement action would be coming. Several vendors said they knew they should not be on the street but had nowhere to go and had to make a living.
DSP Rushelle McGibbon Scott, explains why the sidewalks must be left free of goods. Watch
