Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill yesterday appealed to vendors who sell on the Seawall to comply with the applicable regulations.
According to a release from the ministry, Edghill made the call during a meeting held at the Umana Yana, Kingston.
At the meeting were the Chair-man of the Sea and River Defence Board (S&RDB), Brigadier Gary Beaton, Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad and Secretary of the S&RDB, Jermaine Braithwaite.
During his opening remarks, Beaton highlighted the vital role vendors will play in the developmental plans of the Seawall, especially as it relates to safety.
Braithwaite said that the seawall has a strong tourist attraction and the aim of the Ministry is to improve it.
To achieve this, he highlighted changes which are soon come on stream, including:
-Sanitary facilities
-Landscaping
-Parking
-Waste management and
-Organized vending/ business activities/ recreational activities
The Secretary also reminded that an application must be approved by the S&RDB for vending to take place.
He pointed out that several problems are currently ongoing which will not be allowed to continue. These include:
-Units being placed on the Seawall
-Congestion on the tarmac
-Structures not in conformity with regulations (being immobile, structures should be 15 feet off from road)
-Vending on Seawall road (no encumbrances, such as coolers, and carts, etc should be on the road).
Edghill told the gathering that the Ministry’s and Government’s intention is not to take away bread from those seeking to make a living, but rather to ensure order is maintained.
The minister warned vendors that illegal vending will not be allowed to continue, that is vending without permission from the S&RDB and vending on the actual Seawall.
Edghill pointed out that vending on the seawall structure obstructs its use by persons trying to exercise or families seeking to spend time together. Edghill also told the vendors that this practice would also affect possible emergency works, if or when the need may arise.
