By Rayon Dyer, Freelance WriterDESPITE THE deteriorating conditions and the calls by vendors and shoppers for a new market in the town of Black River, it would appear that the St. Elizabeth Parish Council intends to continue with the old facility.
At a recent meeting of the Parish Council, no mention was made of the call for a new facility. Instead, Kenroy Stewart, the Superintendent of Roads and Works, told the Council that repair work was carried out at both entrances to the market to remedy some of the flooding, which occurs at the facility whenever it rains heavily.
Over the past three years, vendors and shoppers have had to endure trying conditions at the Black River Market as the dirt floor, leaky roof and the pools of stagnant water, which settle behind the market, combine to make life miserable when it rains.
Commenting on the condition of the market, community activist and tourism interest, Desmond Henry, told The Gleaner that urgent work is needed to bring the facility up to standard. According to him, the floor of the market needs to be raised to remedy the flooding problem and urgent repairs need to be done to the roof as a short-term measure. However, ultimately, he wants to see a new market.
"I think it's high time the St. Elizabeth Parish Council provide a new market facility for the people of Black River," said Mr. Henry. "They have been promised a new facility every year but to date, no construction has started."
