Western markets struggling

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:With the exception of St James, markets across western Jamaica are being hampered by a lack of finances.

In Falmouth, where a new market is slated to be constructed, the town's mayor, Garth Wilkinson, told Western Focus that the plans for the facility have hit a snag due to design flaws and was rejected by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.

"The original designs were presented last year to the minister of transport and works but they were rejected because he indicated that they were inadequate for the growing town," said Wilkinson. "We had to redesign and resubmit the plans. The new plans were accepted. So we are now looking for construction to start by the end of the year.

"Once construction begins, it should take up to nine months to be completed," Wilkinson added.

During the development of Falmouth's new multimillion-dollar cruise-shipping pier, it was announced that the town would get a new state-of-the-art food market to match the new development. However, vendors are still confined to the same inadequate space.

Despite not having the requisite funds, the Westmoreland Parish Council is moving ahead with plans to undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Savanna-la-Mar Market. According to Secretary/Manager Opal Beharie, the council is determined to do whatever it can to ensure the conditions at the facility are humane.

FUNDING CHALLENGE

"We have repaired the roof, cleaned the market, and did some work on the drains … but funds are limited, and while there is a local-government programme geared towards the development of markets across Jamaica, we are yet to receive our allotment," said Beharie.

In Hanover, Alexander Mann, the superintendent of roads and works, said the proposed remodelling work for the Cleveland Stanhope Market is in limbo due to financial constraints being faced by the parish council.

"Ventilation, general aesthetics and the ability to move around in the market are some of the main areas of concerns," said Mann. "We have knocked down a section at the back of the market to get more ventilation, but we are now in the discussion phase of a plan to remodel the market.

"I cannot give a timeline as to when we will implement such plans because there is a problem to find money to fund the plans," he added.

MOBAY OPERATES IN COMFORT

However, while Hanover, Westmoreland and Trelawny are in dire straits in getting their markets to a satisfactory state, the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay is now being viewed as a model facility based on structural and management changes that have taken place in recent months.

With a new police post inside the market, the no-nonsense implementation of the no-vending policy outside of the designated vending areas, and a well-executed anti-litter plan, gone are the days of rampant disorder when vendors and cart operators would make life difficult for both pedestrians and motorists.

"Things are a lot better at the market these days … . We can now shop in comfort," said cosmetologist Sharon Williams. "I have been going to the market since I was a child and this is the best I have ever seen it."