The Editor, Sir:

Ocho Rios is a major tourist resort, so what sort of image of the market is being projected to the public?

To read of vendors defecating near stalls makes one wonder what sort of people these vendors are. Those committing such acts should be arrested and banned from future use of the market.

I shudder when I read the alleged comments of the various departments and users of the market.

Vendors turning away garbage trucks because of the smell, yet they defecate near their stalls; the chief public health inspector for St Ann saying he is disappointed no remedy is forthcoming and the mayor saying they are short of funds.

It is shameful and disgraceful that all these people knowing the situation have not done what is necessary to deal adequately with the situation which is a dangerous health issue.

The St Ann Parish Council has failed in its responsibility to the public. The perpetrators of the insanitary acts should be forcefully removed from the market.

No improvement will stop those who abuse the facility. If the market is in such a condition of dilapidation, then it should be closed to prevent outbreaks of epidemics in the area.

I am, etc.,

LES FRANCIS

ashfran2@yahoo.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica