Members of the Red Top mento band on stage entertained one man during the lunch hour concert at the One Love Jamaica Village in New Kingston yesterday. Vendors are complaining that they are not doing any business, as persons attending Cricket World Cup matches at Sabina Park have not been coming to the venue. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

Craft and food vendors at the One Love Jamaica Village, located in the National Housing Trust car park, New Kingston, are still waiting to make some money.

The problem, according to the exhibitors, is that no buyers, tourists or locals, are coming to the village that was set up as a craft market and entertainment venue for persons attending ICC Cricket World Cup matches at Sabina Park.

There are at least 20 vendors who paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each for a half or full booth.

Experiencing stress

One woman said that she was experiencing stress as she is worrying about how she is going to replace the more than $100,000 that she borrowed to purchase goods.

"Every day mi cook and I have to throw it away 'cause nobody is here to buy anything," said the woman.

Yesterday, when The Gleaner team visited the village, the aroma of jerk chicken filled the air. Colourful beaded necklaces and earrings lined several tables. Infectious mento music swelled the air. However, nobody was around to partake of the fabulous offerings.

"Is we have to be going to each other's booth and purchase from each other," said a vendor who was selling African-inspired outfits.

The vendors, who all asked for anonymity, told The Gleaner that they were promised, for at least two weeks, bus loads of visitors being transported to the venue.

Valrie Veira, chief executive officer of the Jamaica Business Development Centre, that oversees the facility, yesterday met with the vendors and pleaded with them to give the organisation a couple days before they pull out.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com