Fire destroys sections of downtown craft market

EIGHTEEN SHOPS at the Kingston Craft Market in downtown Kingston were destroyed by fire early yesterday at about 2:35 a.m. No one was injured during the blaze. The fire was contained by units from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, which turned out to be the saving grace for the remaining 107 shops left undamaged.

Representatives from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) met with vendors yesterday to assure them that recovery and clean-up efforts would be swift. They were advised that assessments would continue in order to fully ascertain the value of the damage. Grief counselling and business continuity initiatives were also offered to those affected.

Meetings have been held between the corporation and other stakeholders to discuss plans going forward, and any assistance from the public is welcome, the UDC says.

REOPENING

It is anticipated that as soon as the Jamaica Fire Brigade completes its examinations, the facility will be reopened. “Once reopened, the craft market will maintain the usual opening hours, Monday-Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” the UDC said.

The craft market building is fully insured and has benefited under the redevelopment plans for downtown Kingston from rehabilitative works, which include the removal and replacement of the existing roof, refurbishing of bathrooms, painting, landscaping, and upgrading of a rainwater disposal system.

The redevelopment of downtown Kingston and Port Royal is aligned with the vision 2030 national development plan.

The Urban Development Corporation’s Lance Fisher addresses craft market vendors after fire destroyed the front section of the building yesterday morning.

PHOTOS BY NORMAN GRINDLEY/CHIEF PHOTO EDITOR Fire destroyed the front section of the Kingston Craft Market in downtown Kingston yesterday. Here, the scene is being secured to allow for investigation.