May Pen square, showing the daily congestion created by vendors and traffic.Norman Grindley photoJohn Myers, Staff Reporter
BUSINESS INTERESTS in the fast developing town of May Pen are calling for the market to be removed from its present location, amidst a growing problem of inadequate space, congestion and haphazard vending activities.
The business leaders are suggesting that the spot where the market is located be transformed into an urban centre completed with green area.
According to a document prepared by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, "the existing area could be developed as a town square to form a much needed open space with appropriate commercial and professional offices, as well as government administrative buildings."
The document further stated: "with modern architectural designs, this square would give beauty and grandeur to our capital town with much pride."
President of the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, Wesley Levy, told The Gleaner that the market should be removed to an appropriate location away from the town centre.
The same sentiments were echoed by former Executive Director of the Chamber, R J Henry. According to him, "the market has spilled over into the major thoroughfare (of the town)," resulting in the" dilapidation and demarkation of May Pen." He noted that this has resulted in the "suffocation of organised economic activities" in the town.
With the market located so close to the town centre, the over spilling of the vendors into the streets has contributed, for a significant part, to traffic congestion in the parish capital. Consequently, he stated that it causes obstruction to many government buildings and businesses especially those located on Sevens Road.
The market which is located in the vicinity of Sevens Road, underwent expansion in 1985, but has become inadequate in providing space for the increasing vending population that has exploded in the 1990's.
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce member is recommending that a section of the Denbigh Show Grounds, which is idle for 11 months out of the year, be used to accommodate the market.
Commercial Services Manager at the Clarendon Parish Council, Andre Wiltshire, says "there is no plan afoot to remove the market at this time." Mr Wiltshire in noting his disapproval of the proposal, says it is not feasible as a lot of infrastructural development would have to be put in place before such a venture is entered into. One such development is "you will need a revolving transportation system around the area," in addition to factors such as accessibility and viability by the public and vendors to the area, he said.
Mr Wiltshire pointed out that with the recently amended Force Orders, which gives the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) responsibility for areas such as vending removal, the situation with regard to street vending has been greatly improved in May Pen.
"The vending problem has been solved to a great extent," he noted.
The Commercial Services Manager further stated that, under the Parish Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP), the market is slated to undergo major repairs that will allow for an improvement in the facilities. He did not say how soon this will happen, however.
