Arsonists caused fire at Linstead Market, McKenzie confirms

 

Local Minister Desmond McKenzie has confirmed that the recent fire at the Linstead Market in St. Catherine was the work of arsonists.

 

Mr. McKenzie said he received a call from Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott who reported that three men were seen running away after setting fire to a section of the market.

 

Some 20 stalls were destroyed.

 

The Local Government Minister said, of about 10 market fires that occurred in the last five years, nine were deliberately set, resulting in a massive repair bill.

 

He called for people to refrain from setting fire to markets as their actions disrupt the livelihoods of others.

 

"The government will not be held as hostage by any sector of the society who feel [like] setting fire to these vital institutions in the country, because of the 37 markets across Jamaica, these markets provide not just a service, but a source of income. Hundreds of Jamaicans, their parents provided their education by selling in our markets across the country," he noted. 

 

Mr. McKenzie was speaking Wednesday morning at a post-cabinet press briefing.

 

He said the ministry will work with municipal corporations across the island to build new markets and repair existing facilities.