Clean-up operations to begin at Savanna-La-Mar Market
Published:Friday | December 5, 2025 | 4:39 PM
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has directed that immediate clean-up operations begin at the Savanna-la-Mar market in Westmoreland, following extensive damage caused by the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The Minister was speaking to journalists after touring the facility on Wednesday.
“I have said to the Mayor and to the technical team in the Ministry that immediate work must commence in starting to clean out the market. That’s the first thing you have to do, clean out the market,” he underscored.
McKenzie also instructed that no market fees are to be collected during the recovery period.
He announced that the Social Development Commission (SDC) will conduct a survey with residents, vendors and shoppers to determine their views on future plans for the market.
“Any decision that we are going to take has to be predicated on information from the general population, not just from myself as the Minister, or the Mayor. We will not do anything until we have your full input into how we proceed,” he emphasised.
While acknowledging concerns about the market’s location near the sea, the Minister said the final decision must reflect the wishes of the people.
“I don’t believe it’s a wise move but the majority speaks… and I have to respect that,” he said.
McKenzie said Westmoreland has suffered some of the worst impacts of Hurricane Melissa, and recovery efforts are being escalated.
“I am now moving away from looking at everywhere else and putting Westmoreland, especially this part, as the top of the list. The devastation that exists here is tremendous,” he pointed out.
The Minister noted that the Government is supporting the restart of local commerce, including assistance with generators and distributive trade supplies for affected businesses.
In his remarks, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, welcomed the Minister’s intervention and said the Municipal Corporation stands ready to act.
“This is my third visit to this space since Melissa, and each time the devastation seems to be more. We will try and start the clean-up as soon as possible,” he assured.
In the meantime, Delancy appealed for patience as vendors and residents adjust to the recovery process.
“Some people might still be traumatised… people have lost homes and livelihoods, and, therefore, it might muddy our thinking. But we appeal to all our people to cooperate as best as possible,” he outlined.
The Mayor also noted that the Ministry had previously invested millions in upgrades to sections of the market, including a cooling system, which were lost to the hurricane.
For her part, Councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar Division, Julian Chang, said the Minister’s presence signalled hope for the town’s recovery.
“In Savanna-la-Mar and its environs, the market is the lifeblood of everyone that lives around this area. A lot of people depend on the market. If we move the market… it will be darkness,” she said.
She added that planned improvements to the market and surrounding areas, including the historic fort, will be crucial to revitalising the town.
- JIS News
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