Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
MAYOR OF St. Ann's Bay, Delroy Giscombe, has issued a stern warning to vendors in the Brown's Town Market that those who do not pay outstanding market fees will not be allowed to resume business in the area.
He said the market, which is at present undergoing a $29 million reconstruction, will reopen on February 7, one week later than the scheduled February 1 date.
Mayor Giscombe said the delay is to facilitate the completion of some additional work which the contractor had encountered.
He said that over $3 million in market fees is owing to the council, and despite several notices only 27 of the 170 vendors have complied and paid their overdue fees.
PERENNIAL PRACTICE
Mayor Giscombe said he is making it clear that the perennial practice of non-payment of market fees by vendors must end. He said the same measures will also be enforced at the St. Ann's Bay and Ocho Rios markets.
The mayor said starting Thursday, January 26, the council would be opening a collection desk at the Brown's Town Market to give those willing to pay another chance to do so.
