Gov’t Provides Support to Old Shoe Market Vendors

Eleven vendors, who suffered losses from the recent fire at the Old Shoe Market in Montego Bay, St. James, have received $60,000 each from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to aid in the recovery process.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who handed over the cheques on Monday (January 8), said the vendors are the first batch that will benefit from assistance to replenish their stock.

He noted that more than 80 persons were affected when some 54 stalls were destroyed by fire in October of last year.

“We have received 43 applications [for assistance] and we expect to get more. Of the 43 applications, we have 11 persons here today… and we expect that each person will receive that amount ($60,000) or more based on the damage to their stalls. This is the Ministry’s way of giving them a start and giving them support,” he noted.

The Minister commended Member of Parliament for Central St. James, Heroy Clarke; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Leeroy Williams and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, who petitioned the Ministry on the vendors’ behalf.

“We will continue to work together with them at our parish office to ensure that we give as much support as possible to help [the vendors] get back on their feet,” Mr. Charles Jr. assured.

Among the grateful vendors who received funds was Cereta Allen, who sold phone accessories at the market.

Ms. Allen, who noted that she lost “everything” in the fire, said the funds will go a far way in enabling her to pay off a loan, which she took out to replenish her stock, and providing her with a fresh start.

The handover of the cheques formed part of a working visit to St. James by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who was accompanied by several Ministers of Government.