Fire Destroys Section of Ocho Rios Market, Vendors Devastated

Ocho Rios, Jamaica – A fire on Sunday afternoon ravaged a section of the Ocho Rios Market, leaving at least 10 vendors counting their losses as stalls and shops were reduced to ashes.

The fire, which broke out sometime after 4:00 pm, is believed to have been caused by electrical issues, according to Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis. “We are devastated that so many people lost their personal belongings, especially on a Sunday afternoon. It is heart-rending,” Belnavis said.

Councillor for the Exchange Division, Ian Isaac, confirmed that the blaze primarily affected vendors selling ground provisions. “The damage includes shops and stalls, but we don’t yet know the full extent of who has been impacted. We will be in touch with the vendors on Monday. It’s devastating, a lot of ground provisions have been damaged, but we are grateful that other sections of the market were not affected,” Isaac stated.

Vendors and shoppers were left in shock as they surveyed the destruction. Charred produce and burnt structures were all that remained of some businesses, leaving many wondering how they would recover.

Mayor Belnavis described the incident as one of the worst he had seen at the facility. “This is the worst I’ve seen ever. It means we have to conduct a thorough investigation, clean up the area, and find ways to assist the vendors who have lost everything,” he said.

In response to the disaster, Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, along with other officials, is expected to tour the affected area on Monday to assess the damage and discuss potential support for those impacted.

Authorities are urging vendors and market operators to be cautious about electrical installations as investigations into the exact cause of the fire continue. Meanwhile, the affected vendors are hoping for swift assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.