Improved Compliance Brings Order to Port Maria

The town of Port Maria in St. Mary is now cleaner and more orderly, thanks to improved compliance by motorists and vendors with the directives of the authorities.

This was revealed by Mayor, Councillor Fitzroy Wilson, who told JIS News that the efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Transport Authority (TA), and the St. Mary Municipal Corporation are to be commended.

“The transportation sector… has been asked to use the transportation centre, which we’re getting a lot more compliance with than before. Our revenues from the transportation centre have been up in recent months. We must give credit to the JCF and the Transport Authority, who are really on board with the municipal officers at the Municipal Corporation to really ensure that we get compliance,” Councillor Wilson said.

He further stated that the business community has reported increased activity in Port Maria, attributing the growth to reduced congestion in the parish capital.

“A few months ago, it would take, maybe, 45 minutes to traverse the town, which normally [should not] take three minutes. We have worked assiduously [to rectify this issue] and we continue to work. Even the business people are saying more persons are coming to Port Maria to shop because of the ease of being able to come in and out of the town,” Councillor Wilson said.

The Mayor also reported a high level of compliance with trade licences in St. Mary.

However, he cautioned that compliance with congestion‑reduction measures in other major areas such as Annotto Bay and Highgate remains lacking, noting that community meetings have been convened to address the issues.

“We’ve been liaising with them (residents) to see how we can get some compliance. In Highgate, the response time from even the fire service might be hampered and the police might be hampered if there [is] an emergency,” Councillor Wilson said.

He stated that the Highgate market district remains the most profitable within the Municipal Corporation, despite not having a physical market. The original facility was destroyed by fire some years ago, and a site has since been identified for the construction of a new market.

Mayor Wilson said that until the new market is constructed, the St. Mary Municipal Corporation must continue to regulate vending in the busy Highgate area.

“We are mindful of the financial and the socioeconomic situation with them (vendors). But, nonetheless, we can’t compromise the safety of our people or the cleanliness, health and public order in the area. So, whilst we work with them, we’re saying to them… the sidewalks must be kept clear and roads must be used in a way so that there’s respect for other motorists and road users,” he underscored.