Vendors protest at Boston Jerk Centre

October 11, 2024
Protesting residents speaking with the police, Councilor for the Fairy Hill division, Athlee Cleary (in blue shirt) looks on. Photo: Gareth Davis

Angered over what they described as the prolonged closure of the Boston Jerk Centre by health officials due to sanitary concerns, jerk vendors on Friday blocked the main thoroughfare in protest over the lockdown. 

The vendors have lashed out on public health inspectors for what they allege is a deliberate attempt to frustrate them, arguing that they have met the requirements prescribed by the local health authorities following the closure on September 6.

"We were hoping for reopening of the facility yesterday, but [we] were told that we had to undergo some training through Heart Trust, " said jerk vendor Mikey.

Yesterday, public health inspectors carried out another assessment of the facility, however, the centre still closed to the public. 

Councillor for the area, Athlee Cleary, said that they are encouraging vendors to adopt to best practises in ensuring that they can, not only earn from their livelihood in a sustainable way, but to also ensure that proper health practises is adhered to.

The police are on the scene and the roadway is accessible to single lane traffic only at this time.

The protest began about 5:00 a.m. with vendors using stones, bottles, and other debris to block the main access route.

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