St James Municipal Corporation exploring night markets to support Mobay’s evening vendors

The St James Municipal Corporation is exploring the establishment of night markets in downtown Montego Bay to support vendors who make most of their income during evening hours.

Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, revealed the plans while engaging vendors on Lower Market Street in the Second City on Friday.

He said the initiative is informed by data indicating that vendors generate peak revenues on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, particularly between 12 noon and 6 p.m., and again from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“We also have to explore the type of vending, because while some vendors will make their high peak revenue during that period, other vendors, such as those selling soup, porridge and food, will sell more at certain times of the day, like the early morning, midday and in the afternoon,” Vernon said.

“So we are looking at night vending as an opportunity for those who actually make most of their revenue in the after 7 p.m. time period, and then we will look at the area and see how best we can facilitate them within that space,” he added.

The mayor indicated that the proposed night markets would cater to workers completing evening shifts, including those in the hotel industry, and would operate during hours when traditional shops have closed.

He noted that the implementation of night vending must be clearly aligned with local economic development objectives.

“There are vendors here who have used this business to send their children to school. There are vendors here who survive from this on a daily basis… and not just to come on a grand market night or a one-off situation to make money, but this is their livelihood,” Councillor Vernon outlined.

“So we continue to push the agenda, not anti-vending but pro-vending and large vending management. To do vending management, there are continuous conversations that we need to have with the vendors, as key stakeholders within this particular thrust,” he added.

The announcement coincides with the conclusion of an extended Grand Market period, introduced as a relief measure following Hurricane Melissa. Traditionally limited to five days, this season’s Grand Market spanned approximately 28 days, ending on January 11.

- JIS News

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