By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
AN EXTENSION has been granted to vendors occupying sections of the Musgrave Market in Port Antonio, Portland to settle unpaid fees owed to the Portland Parish Council since 2003.
So far, the council has only collected $400,000 of the $1.3 million income it expects to generate from the renting of stalls by vendors.
Mayor of Port Antonio, Alston Hunter, told The Gleaner on Friday that several vendors were brought before the court for failing to settle their arrears. He said since then they have allotted to the vendors time to settle their arrears.
"So far 210 persons have been taken to court for failing to honour their rental fees. We were forced to do so due to the fact that some vendors were being reluctant," he said.
The Mayor also indicated that the failure by vendors to honour their contractual arrangements, means that the council does not have sufficient funds to carry out the necessary repairs to the roof of the market.
"The roof is leaking heavily. The three sections at the market, which include craft, food and a meat section, at times have suffered extensive damage," the mayor said.
"Goods are also often times damaged due to leakage that occurs during a rainfall."
The council has also indicated that it is a adopting a zero tolerance policy, and will not allow vendors to remain in arrears.
The market fee for vending ranges from a minimum $36 per week to $120 at the Musgrave Market.
