Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie has assured vendors that the Government will not increase market fees.

McKenzie’s comments are in response to a call made by Natalie Neita Garvey, the shadow minister of local government, urging him to reconsider any proposed increases in market fees, which she claimed was outlined in his recent statements during the National Debate.

” I can unequivocally state that the Government has no plans for such an increase. The claim made by the PNP [People’s National Party] suggesting otherwise is merely a desperate ploy by a party struggling to connect positively with voters. Our focus remains steadfast on advancing Jamaica, its populace and its communities, unwavering in the face of PNP propaganda,” McKenzie retorted.

The local government minister further emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising and enhancing markets across Jamaica.

He said the Government has moved to procure 50 new garbage trucks to bolster garbage collection across markets, communities and other public spaces.

“When we assumed office in 2016, the NSWMA operated with about 18 garbage trucks. Today, under our administration, that number has surged to 70, with an additional 50 slated to arrive in Jamaica in a few months. The PNP’s resort to propaganda underscores their lack of substantive achievements to campaign on,” McKenzie added.