Vendors apologise for Crab Circle mess

Five days after the closure of Crab Circle, the vendors are apologising for the unsanitary practices that were caught on camera.

During the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) meeting on Tuesday, Kingston Mayor Delroy Williams revealed that he met with the vendors on Monday.

"I am pleased to say that [during] my conversation with the vendors yesterday, they extended their apology to the nation. They were very empathic, because they said what happened at the Crab Circle did not only affect those at the Crab Circle, but it has affected vendors across the country; and they take personal responsibility for what happened and how it impacted not only their lives; but the livelihood of food vendors across Jamaica," the mayor said.

Williams indicated that the apology came from a number of the vendors, including Raquel Walker, who said she knew that many people were disappointed and hurt by the situation.

"We all apologise for that action, and I am praying and hoping that you find it within yourself to forgive us," she said.

"Words cannot express the way how this thing came out and affected a lot [of people]... In Jamaica, every corner you turn there is a soup pot."

Another vendor, known as 'Munchie', added, "We [are] not justifying what Alice [the vendor who was caught on video defecating in a bucket] did and we apologise for the whole situation and how it went down. It could have been done better." In addition to the vendor's actions, health officials also noted water issues at the spot and many vendors had no food handler's permits.

Using New York as an example, Williams highlighted that as it pertains to street food vending, booths do not have sanitary facilities, they have wash stations.

"Infrastructure is one, but we have to stick to the side of personal responsibility. We have to focus on civic pride in food preparation and handling. You [vendors] have to develop proper behavioural norms that emphasise and focus on dignity of the person," said Williams

Councillor of the Vineyard Town Division, Andrew Swaby, who is the minority leader in the KSAMC, submitted questions about the obligations of the KSAMC and J. Wray and Nephew, which collaborated to spruce up the popular food spot.

"There are things that the public needs to hear. I believe that the KSAMC has refused to state to the public that they were derelict in their duties. The fact that they [had] sought funding from J. Wray and Nephew ... There is no way you could have been spending $13 million without a bathroom facility there," Swaby told THE STAR.

He continued, "I know it is difficult to have an informal setting and trying to formalise them, but at least get the input of the public health department to ensure and maintain sanitary practices."

Williams said that the questions will be answered in the next sitting.