Several vendors and businesses operating out of the Melrose Hill, Yam Park, a popular rest stop in Manchester, have been effectively closed down indefinitely. This after vendors say a team from the Manchester Public Health Department issued a 24-hour notice on them recently.

The vendors say not only is their eviction unfair but they lament the Public Health Department is responsible for the management of the facility which is deemed to be unfit for business at this time.


Despite the rain on Tuesday, August 17, some vendors who once plied their trade and wares out of the Melrose Hill Yam Park in Manchester came out to voice their frustration at what they’re calling their sudden eviction by the Public Health Department. One vendor who operates a bar in the park, says their contract does not permit them to add or subtract to the premises they utilize and limits therefore how much they can do to the buildings. Buildings she insists are managed by the Local Municipal Corporation.

As the vendors were being removed on August 16, some were angered by the short notice and the uncertainty now lingering as to when they would be expected to return.

Efforts to get a comment from the Mayor of Mandeville, Donovan Mitchell, and the Public Health Department in the parish proved futile Tuesday, August 17.

More in this CVM Live story from Neika Lewis: