GreeneTOWN CLERK Errol Greene says that he has been acting within directives given by the KSAC Council and within the law in removing vendors from the streets of downtown Kingston.
But, the Town Clerk says the future removal of the vendors would depend on instructions from the newly-appointed Minister of Local Government, Portia Simpson Miller.
"Under normal circumstances, my authority comes from the Council of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation and we have a plan of action that was developed. We are fully aware and are proceeding with that plan so if the new minister has something different she can advise us and we will respect her wishes," Mr. Greene said.
Dunstan Whittingham, President of the Jamaica Vendors, Higglers and Markets Association (JVHMA), lashed out at Mr. Greene on Monday, accusing him of destroying vendors' property without dialogue with them or approval from senior ministry officials.
He said that a mass protest by vendors would occur if the activities continued without dialogue with them. Mr. Whittingham said that two letters were sent on Monday, one each to Mrs Simpson Miller and the Mayor of Kingston, Marie Atkins, the latter being copied to Mr. Greene.
The letter to Mrs. Simpson Miller asked her to have the KSAC halt its programme immediately.
Yesterday, Mr. Greene, who met the new Minister on other matters, said they would both try to arrange a meeting with all stakeholders involved as soon as possible. He said he would also wait until after the meeting to determine what areas of downtown Kingston would be cleaned next.
The last removal took place on the weekend when scores of stalls and more than 30 truckloads of debris were cleared from areas outside of the designated market districts, among them sections of Parade, as well as Princess and Beckford streets.
