No Free Power at Negril Market, McKenzie Warns Vendors

NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern warning to vendors set to occupy the upcoming Negril Fruit and Vegetable Market: there will be no free electricity.

Set to open next year, the long-awaited market is receiving close oversight from McKenzie, who emphasized during a site visit last Friday that vendors must make their own power arrangements.

“I am saying to the mayor [Danree Delancy] that anybody in this market who requires electricity must engage the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The same way they get credit on their phones, that is the kind of provisions that will be made,” he told journalists during a media briefing.

McKenzie confirmed that talks have already been held with the JPS to facilitate prepaid electricity solutions. “The vendors will buy electricity on credit,” he added.

He was quick to point out that the State would not bear the cost of utilities, especially in light of ongoing issues with electricity theft across other markets.

“The municipal corporation cannot undertake the cost of electricity when vendors bridge the light, steal the current, and when the bill is to be paid it falls on the local authorities,” the minister declared.

The minister also revealed that 90 per cent of the 28 market fires recorded in Jamaica over the past six years were linked to electrical faults — many due to illegal connections.

The Negril market, which has been in the planning phase for eight years, is now poised to begin construction within three months. McKenzie stated that the project already has funding in place and will feature smart design elements such as high roofing to allow natural lighting.

Meanwhile, Negril Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Allen Bradley called for a dedicated maintenance fund to prevent facilities from falling into disrepair, citing the current condition of the Grange Hill Market.

McKenzie responded by promising that a maintenance component has already been implemented in newer market developments like Clarkstown, Port Maria, Hopewell, and the soon-to-be-completed Buff Bay Market.