The project includes outfitting Half-Way Tree and its environs with 53 vending stalls to foster an organised approach to vending in the area.

According to the KSAC, the Half-Way Tree exercise is expected to be a model for other urban centres such as Cross Roads, Papine, Red Hills and Manor Park.

Public outcry

"There has been public outcry over vending activities in Half-Way Tree and its environs for years because of the unsightly state of contraptions and the accumulation of garbage," said Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie.

"We approached Digicel to partner with the KSAC to correct this issue and, without hesitation, they accepted. Needless to say, this will be a refreshing improvement in Half-Way Tree and we thank Digicel for their corporate conscience," he added.

Marking the first phase of the initiative, the mayor suspended all vending activities in Half-Way Tree and its environs last October before embarking on a general clean-up of the area. Digicel is now in the process of designing 53 vending stalls, of which the first 28 will be completed for a handover ceremony in Half-Way Tree tomorrow.

Mutually benefitting

"We recognise this partnership as one that is equally dear to the vendors in Half-Way Tree, the KSAC, to us as a corporate citizen and the public in general," said Digicel CEO Mark Linehan.

The KSAC will be responsible for the overall management, including technical and logistics support and enforcement measures to ensure continuity and sustainability, the mayor said.

The initiative will also include a licensing system with ID card. Vendors will be required to wear and display identification cards, vests/aprons with spot numbers affixed.