PORT MARIA, ST. MARY, JAMAICA – Mayor Fitzroy Wilson, accompanied by a coalition of local agencies, recently conducted a comprehensive walk-through of Port Maria to meticulously assess the town’s pressing development needs. The initiative, which took place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, signifies a renewed focus on enhancing the parish capital’s infrastructure, economic vitality, and overall quality of life for its residents.
The assessment identified several key areas requiring immediate attention, ranging from critical public amenities to persistent urban challenges. Among the primary concerns addressed were the condition of sanitary facilities at the town’s transportation centre, the efficiency of the drainage system, and the safety and accessibility of pedestrian infrastructure, including sidewalks. Mayor Wilson has pledged that plans are in place to refurbish the transportation centre’s facilities within a month, offering a much-needed upgrade for the travelling public.
“We are basically in the town today assessing the issues and the needs of our town,” Mayor Wilson stated during the assessment, highlighting that the team had received numerous complaints regarding congestion, illegal vending, and other aesthetic and health-related issues. Representatives from NEPM Waste Management Limited, the police, the Health Department, the fire department, the Municipal Corporation, and the tax office were part of the extensive tour, underscoring a coordinated approach to tackling multifaceted problems.
Addressing Congestion and the Challenge of Vending
Traffic congestion and the pervasive issue of illegal street-side vending emerged as significant obstacles to Port Maria’s smooth functioning and aesthetic appeal. While recent improvements have been made to sidewalks, Mayor Wilson acknowledged that more work is needed to ensure they are both safer and more accessible. The presence of vendors operating outside designated areas continues to be a challenge, particularly given the availability of space within the recently opened Port Maria Market. The $66 million market, officially opened on February 13, 2024, was intended to centralize vending and alleviate street congestion. However, reports indicate that parts of the market, including an area designed for fish vendors, remain underutilized, while street vending persists.
Mayor Wilson also noted the potential for the market’s upper floor to become an income generator for the corporation, suggesting it could be rented for events, as the necessary infrastructure is already in place. To combat the persistent street vending and associated traffic hazards, particularly for physically and visually challenged individuals, plans are being considered to install barriers along key sections of the road.
Enhanced Enforcement and Community Engagement
In response to the identified issues, Superintendent Anthony Wallace, commanding officer for the St. Mary Police Division, assured that enforcement measures would be intensified. A new sub-officer will be assigned to oversee Port Maria, supported by additional officers dedicated to patrolling and ensuring compliance with regulations. “We’ll be increasing the enforcement and monitoring… working closely with municipal officers, we are confident to ensure that we get full compliance,” Superintendent Wallace stated, signaling a commitment to bringing order to the town’s commercial spaces.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that meetings would be held with vendors, transportation operators, the business community, and all relevant stakeholders to discuss solutions and foster a collective commitment to Port Maria’s progress. This community-focused approach aims to build consensus and ensure that development initiatives are both effective and sustainable.
Broader Development Vision for St. Mary
Mayor Wilson’s assessment and subsequent commitments are part of a larger, ongoing development thrust within St. Mary and Jamaica at large. The parish capital has seen previous efforts, including the restoration and refurbishing of the Port Maria Civic Centre, which commenced in phases as early as 2007. Furthermore, the National Land Agency (NLA) is currently developing a master map for Port Maria, a crucial tool for future development planning, modelling, navigation, and visualization.
Beyond Port Maria itself, the wider St. Mary parish is slated for significant investment and development. Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western, Robert Montague, has highlighted plans for an economic zone expected to create thousands of jobs and improve water supply infrastructure across the parish. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also unveiled plans for the Boscobel Integrated Business Centre, a major urban development aimed at fostering local economic growth and providing essential services. These initiatives reflect a government-wide strategy to decentralize development and create opportunities within rural communities across Jamaica, aiming for peace, productivity, and prosperity.
Mayor Wilson’s recent tour and his proactive engagement with local agencies and the community signal a determined effort to address the immediate challenges facing Port Maria. By focusing on infrastructure upgrades, managing urban issues, and fostering collaboration, the leadership aims to pave the way for a more vibrant and prosperous future for this historic Jamaican town, ensuring it regains its prestige and becomes a more attractive hub for residents and visitors alike. This news underscores the continuous efforts in community development across Jamaica.