Delancy jabs back at McKenzie over Negril Market comments
Published:Friday | June 13, 2025 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy has pushed back against “unfair” criticism from Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie regarding delays in the Negril Fruits and Vegetable Market project.
“It is unfair to blame us for what we have no control over,” Delancy said at Thursday’s meeting of the Westmorelnd Municipal Corporation (WMC). McKenzie, during a recent site visit to both the market and the proposed vendor holding area, expressed sharp disappointment with the lack of progress and questioned the handling of the project by the WMC, which Delancy chairs.
Delancy explained that the WMC had followed the minister’s directive to bypass marling and proceed directly with paving a temporary area for vendors during the construction phase. A quotation was submitted in April 2024, with the understanding that the ministry would fund the work. However, the plans were only returned in February 2025, and the corporation has received no further instructions since.
McKenzie, during a recent site visit to both the market and the proposed vendor holding area, expressed sharp disappointment with the lack of progress and questioned the handling of the project by the WMC, which Delancy chairs.
“I am very disappointed, and I am being very kind with my words,” McKenzie told reporters, referencing the sluggish pace of the work. “We are not getting the kind of support that is required for a very important project as this to move forward,” said McKenzie in a jab at the People’s National Party-controlled WMC.
But Delancy, who was speaking at yesterday’s (Thursday) monthly meeting of the WMC, is contending that the corporation has fulfilled its obligations and is still awaiting direction from the local government ministry for further instructions.
Delancy further stated that the WMC was not officially informed of McKenzie’s recent site visit, which he said raised further concerns about the context and motive of the trip.
“I had to check with our officers to confirm if we had been invited. When I found out we weren’t, I said to myself, it must be a private or political visit,” said Delancy. “We’re clearly in a campaign season whether people want to admit it or not.”
While acknowledging that the public deserves answers and results, Delancy maintains that the corporation’s hands are tied as they cannot do anything without getting the go-ahead from McKenzie.
“We are very much prepared and willing to get this project under way, within budget and on time, but we need our partners to meet us halfway,” said Delancy. “It cannot be that we’re expected to act without the necessary approvals or financial support and then be blamed when things stall.”
The Negril Fruits and Vegetable Market, which has long been regarded as a priority infrastructure project for the parish, is aimed at improving vendor facilities and boosting local commerce.