A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed between the two main bodies representing downtown vendors, and plans are afoot to have meetings with troubled communities in the area to resolve law and order issues.The United Vendors Association (UVA) and the Jamaica Vendors, Higglers and Markets Association (JVHMA), which represents thousands of the vendors, yesterday signed the pact to try to restore order downtown, by working with the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and other interested bodies to maintain order.
UVA consultant, Egeton Newman, said that the next phase will be to meet with residents from the five communities that border the shopping district, within the next two weeks, in order to cement peace plans.
The groups are now setting a timetable and will work with the Members of Parliament for the areas to schedule meetings.
The memorandum will see the two groups working together for the overall redevelopment of the city, pushing for the resumption of law and order in the municipal market district and supporting vending in prescribed legal vending areas. They have pledged to work with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the KSAC to restore order.
They have also reiterated the calls for the market district to be expanded, especially for the Christmas season, and are asking the KSAC and the police to ensure that the prescribed markets are habitable and safe; that police presence is increased by at least 400 and moving the No. 5 bus bay at Parade nearer to the Kingston Mall to accommodate vendor traffic. The UVA is currently scouting to find places to recommend to the KSAC for expansion, as Christmas shoppers and sellers are expected to multiply.
The Town Clerk Errol Greene has already started looking for other locations for the buses at Parade, with the aid of Metropolitan Transport Holdings. Mr. Greene has also been consistent that the markets and prescribed vending areas are adequate to house the vendors, given that $20 million was spent last November to upgrade several facilities.
Other long-term plans for development that the UVA announced, include making both police stations serving the area more people friendly and increasing manpower; embarking on a public education campaign on the use and importance of the heritage district of downtown; promoting the area as the best area for business and study; re-establishing the Oceana Hotel and redeveloping the Harbour and the Craft Market. December eight will also be announced as 'city clean up day,' where all vendors would come out to clean up the city.
