KSAMC sets October 21 deadline for vending near parish church

EFFECTIVE October 21, vending will no longer be permitted near Kingston Parish Church or directly in front of South Parade Arcade in downtown Kingston, the municipal authority declared on Tuesday. The notice was served by Deputy Mayor Lorraine Dobson in the absence of Mayor Andrew Swaby during the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC). Dobson noted that the restrictions had become increasingly necessary as there have been reports that some vendors continued to sell goods and loiter outside commercial premises despite renting spaces inside 65 Mall Arcade. “Rather than using those spaces for their intended purpose, these vendors reportedly store their goods and other items while continuing to sell their merchandise on the street. KSAMC’s Commercial Service Department can verify the rental arrangement for its arcade and maintains a register of vendors who have rented spaces there,” she said, adding that the information will help to identify the extent to which designated vending spaces are being underutilised. The deputy mayor told the meeting that the KSAMC had met with vendors several times to discuss the issue and inform them of the forthcoming vending restrictions. She noted that on Wednesday, September 9, Swaby visited vendors operating in the area, telling them that the current situation was unacceptable and could not continue. “Prior to the meeting, photographs and videos documenting the prevailing conditions were taken. These were subsequently shown to the vendors during the meeting to illustrate the concerns, particularly the practice of vending directly in front of Kingston Parish Church,” explained Dobson. She added that the KSAMC then staged a walk-through of the South Parade area on Friday, September 11, during which the need for compliance with the planned measures was further reinforced. Following sensitisation visits, Dobson said that the corporation proceeded to serve notices on Monday, October 5, to vendors, advising them of the imminent restrictions within the vicinity of Kingston Parish Church and South Parade Arcade. She added that signs will be erected on Tuesday, October 20, to notify vendors and members of the public of the designated no-vending area. “On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the KSAMC will deploy 15 courtesy and two municipal officers to the area to facilitate compliance with the notices and prevent vending and loitering in the vicinity of Kingston Parish Church and directly in front of South Parade Arcade. “These measures are part of the KSAMC’s commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the dignity and accessibility of all public spaces, and ensuring that designated vending areas are used for their intended purpose,” she said. Dobson maintained that the initiative aims to regulate the state of vending within the Corporate Area, while ensuring that vendors receive a clear notice of the new limitations. “Our approach has involved direct management of vendors, the use of photographic and video evidence to demonstrate a concern, the issuance of formal notices, and advanced communication of the measures to be implemented… The KSAMC will therefore proceed with the planned enforcement measures from October 21, 2026,” she advised.