After Tivoli – Part 2

The government has announced that it will cost $1 billion to repair the Coronation Market.  Once again the cost of the excursion into Tivoli has come into sharp focus.  However, I again find myself questioning the cost of the rebuilding.  We have seen the picture of the market but I encourage you to go on site and have a look for yourself.  It is hard to see how the cost could be $1 billion unless you are going to build a structure that is vastly superior to what previously existed.

What is clear is that the government needs to revisit how it manages its markets.  The first problem is that vendors do not pay for the use of the market.  The market needs to be maintained over time and this requires financial resources.  The vendors seem to think that they have a right to be provided with a place to sell free of cost.  In addition at the end of time the National Solid Waste Management Association (NSWMA) has to find the money to clean up the place.  The story is the same at all markets throughout Jamaica, markets are run down and no one wants to contribute to their upkeep.

It is good to get help from the private sector in rebuilding the market or down town but if you don’t change fundamental issues you will not get rid of the existing problems.  All persons who wish to sell in the market places should be required to rent a location and all persons should be registered as a condition for rebuilding the market.  Secondly, all persons should be required to file income tax returns as a condition for obtaining a spot in the market.  This should not deter anyone as if you are currently earning less than the tax threshold there will be no income tax to pay.  NHT will entitle you to a loan and is refunded after seven years and NIS will entitle you to pension benefits.  This could also be an opportunity to help persons to save towards their retirement.

We often think about reigning in the criminals but we need to start with a more basic position.  We need to encourage all Jamaicans to have respect for the rule of law and to contribute to the development of the country.  There is a need to restore discipline to the country; the days of selling on the sidewalks must end.