Mobay mayor urges proper waste management by vendors

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is urging Montego Bay food vendors to adopt proper waste management practices to foster safe trading, in compliance with public health standards.

Speaking during the recent monthly sitting of the St James Municipal Corporation, he said that consumers have been complaining about unkempt areas by vendors, particularly in the vicinity of Church Street and St Clavers Avenue.

He informed that a meeting was held with food vendors to discuss issues such as sanitation, public health protocols, and the general operation of vending activities within the city.

The sensitisation, he said, will be followed by stricter enforcement.

“Our approach is one of inclusivity. We engage the stakeholders who will be affected by our policies, and after a series of meetings and discussions, we move to enforcement,” he noted.

Mayor Vernon said that vendors were asked to retrofit their carts and stalls to contribute to the overall aesthetics and order of the space, while adhering to established health and safety requirements.

“We are appealing to vendors who are permitted to vend in these areas to set up yourselves. Ensure that proper waste mechanisms are in place, and manage your waste properly,” he urged, warning that vending privileges will be revoked on some areas “if you cannot take care of these places”.

The Mayor reminded that food-vending operations are not permitted within the city’s core and urged vendors to relocate to designated areas for regulated business activity.

“There will be a zero-tolerance approach where the sale of ground provisions is concerned outside the remit of the market district and particularly the Charles Gordon Market facilities. So, we are asking persons to comply,” he stated.

- JIS News

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