In a notable shift from typical vendor-municipality dynamics, the leadership at Constant Spring Arcade has expressed conditional support for a potential increase in vendor fees. Carlene Spencer, President of the Vendors’ Association, stated that such an increase would be welcomed provided the additional revenue is directly allocated by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) toward critical infrastructure improvements at the facility.
The endorsement came during a consultation meeting held Friday, which also served as the reopening ceremony for newly refurbished bathrooms. Spencer specifically cited these upgrades as a tangible reason for her support, noting, “I’m okay with the increase, I welcome an increase—because of changes, because we get two brand new bathrooms.” She identified running water and the development of a dedicated car park as the next essential projects to enhance vendor comfort and operational efficiency.
Acknowledging the economic pressures of the present time, Spencer demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of the KSAMC’s financial constraints. She referenced the mayor’s point that current operational overheads at the arcade surpass the revenue collected from fees. “We can understand that… We were here preparing to hear we are going to have to pay more. As for me, I am anticipating that,” she remarked, adding a philosophical perspective: “Things and time change. So if we have to pay more, we pay more.”
Beyond infrastructure, Spencer praised the consultative forum for providing a platform to voice concerns. She expressed profound gratitude for the bathroom renovations, describing their previous state as “deplorable” and labeling the completion of the project as genuine “progress.”
The association president also addressed internal challenges within the vendor community. She highlighted an issue where some individuals retain shop spaces they no longer actively use due to slow sales, thereby preventing new, eager entrepreneurs from accessing prime business locations. Concluding her remarks, Spencer issued a call to action for her fellow vendors, urging them to consistently meet their rental obligations on time to ensure the arcade’s sustained viability.