KINGSTON, Jamaica — City officials are mobilizing street vendors and transportation operators to maintain public order and safety during the anticipated Christmas rush. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has issued coordinated appeals following its final vending subcommittee meeting of the year, emphasizing collaborative efforts to manage seasonal congestion.
Mayor Andrew Swaby articulated the administration’s dual focus on regulatory compliance and visitor experience. He specifically addressed the persistent challenge of unauthorized vending, stating, “We recognize existing ground-level complications with vendors operating beyond assigned zones. Our priority remains keeping roadways unobstructed to ensure seamless vehicular movement.”
The Mayor elaborated on seasonal dynamics, noting, “Christmas traditionally brings both seasonal vendors and increased shopper volumes to downtown and commercial districts. We are committed to ensuring all visitors to Kingston Central, whether residents or tourists, enjoy a positive and hassle-free shopping experience.”
Transport operators received parallel attention during the deliberations. Mayor Swaby confirmed ongoing collaborations with taxi drivers to enhance road discipline. “We have emphasized the necessity for professional conduct and are actively identifying designated parking solutions to promote structured operations,” he explained.
Registration mandates for temporary vendors were reinforced with official warnings, while infrastructure improvements received attention. The Mayor confirmed that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has addressed numerous streetlight repairs, though law enforcement has requested additional fixes for non-functional lights in specific high-priority areas.