Gov't agencies fail to rid area of illegal vending

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:

Tourism and local authorities are shuffling to resolve the issue of illegal vending and squatting beside the US$225 million Iberostar Resorts in Montego Bay that have been creating havoc since they opened in May 2007.

NO RESOLUTION

Though it has been two months since the issue came to the attention of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), the matter has not been resolved. Robert Russell, chairman of TPDCo, acknowledged, "It has been taking longer than expected to resolve the issue. It's an ongoing process as TPDCo, the St James Parish Council, the management of the hotel and community representatives have met to try and find an amicable solution to the problem and seek relocation where necessary ... I cannot provide a time frame as to when the issue will be resolved, but we are trying our best to deal with it as quick as possible."

He disclosed that the TPDCo is in dialogue with the owner of the property towards resolving the squatter settlement issue.

On a visit to the location, several poorly constructed shacks used to parade crafts and indigenous clothing were seen informally lined off on the premier property. Garbage was improperly disposed of. Hospitality Jamaica understands that the vendor population adjacent to the five-star property has grown from one craft vendor to more than 15 craft traders since the hotel was completed over one year ago.

The illegal operation has existed without a permit and proper waste disposal facilities and poses serious environment and tourism concerns.

penalties

Harsh penalties were promised by Major Milverton Munroe, regional manager at the National Solid Waste Management (NSWMA), in an effort to deal with the waste disposal breaches on the property. He said that no permits were granted to these vendors by the NSWMA to dispose waste on the property they now occupy.

When Hospitality Jamaica contacted Munroe earlier this week, he disclosed that to date "no fines or notices were served to them according to my knowledge."