Gov't to restore Savanna-la-Mar market as vendors object to relocation

 

Plans by the government to relocate the Savanna-la-Mar market in Westmoreland have been shelved after vendors objected, citing significant disruption in commerce. 

 

The seaside market suffered extensive infrastructural damage, including to its roof, during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October. 

 

During a tour of the facility on Wednesday, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said his visit was intended to inform vendors that the market would be moved from Lower Great George Street. But he said the government's focus will now turn to restoring the facility in phases, starting with the clearing of debris.  

 

"This is not a pretty sight. I am of the opinion, but the majority carries, that the present site of the market, based on the closeness to the sea, poses a challenge. But I listening to the majority of you and I have to go by what unuh seh. If the market is relocated, it means a lot of things will be dislocated. And the government of Dr. Andrew Holness is not about dislocating people," the minister declared.

 

Mr. McKenzie encouraged vendors to return to selling in the market once the debris has been removed. In the interim, the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has been advised to halt the collection of market fees. 

 

The minister said the input of stakeholders will be sought in the rehabilitation of the market.

 

"I asked the SDC (Social Development Commission) to do a survey from the community, from residents, shoppers, vendors just to find out what is the view, what is it they would like to see, what are the areas of improvement? Because any decision that we are going to take has to be predicated on information from the general population, not just from myself as the minister, or the mayor, or a group of people sitting in a room. And once the SDC would have given that information, then we would proceed," he pledged. 

 

He said the aim is to have the market cleaned before December 25.