Vendors want waiver of market fees

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Port Antonio, Portland:

Vendors at the Musgrave Market in Portland want their vending fees waived until the authorities rectify the leaking roof at the market.

The vendors' goods were damaged recently after heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Nicole affected the parish.

"Enough is enough!" exclaimed a female craft vendor who gave her name only as Blossom. "We are tired of the inconvenience. The market was leaking heavily more than a year ago, and the parish council, after a long delay, finally decide that the roof will be repaired. And yet still, de market a leak same way. Dem tek we fi idiot."

Other vendors also sharply criticised the parish council for the poor work done on the roof of the market.

"I have two children attending high school," said another vendor who was called 'Stitchie'. "Mi nah pay nuh more market fee until de roof fix. Mi have shoes weh damage, and clothes. So wha, wi a duppy?"

Reconstructed

Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, said the roof of the market was reconstructed almost a year ago, along with other repairs including lighting, repairs to windows and sanitary conveniences, and the construction of concrete stalls.

He expressed disappointment with the work that was carried out by the contractor and plans to have the matter addressed.

Approximately $26 million was donated by the Tourism Product Development Company to effect repairs to the facility.