MONTEGO BAY, St James — A female vendor seen relieving herself in the back of a motor vehicle at what seems to be Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, in a now-viral video, could be facing a ban.

Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon said it is something that could be considered following a meeting with the local health services in the parish.

“Based on the meeting tomorrow [Monday] with the health services we will take the action that is most appropriate pertaining to the situation — and if it is a ban, then a ban will have to be put in place,” Vernon said Sunday.

The mayor insisted, however, that the result of an investigation into the issue will be the determining factor regarding the potential actions taken in relation to the issue.

Since the video has come to light a team was dispatched from St James Health Services which met with the individual, but a follow-up meeting is set for Monday as well.

The mayor said there is no reason for that sort of behaviour given the sanitary facilities at the market.

“The bathroom area is in very good condition. As a matter of fact, some time ago — I mean a few months ago — the health services [team] visited the area and they were impressed with the condition of our bathrooms there,” Vernon said.

“I’m not sure why she decided to do what she did but I can assure you that we have a facility for vending and we also have appropriate areas and conducive areas for persons to relieve themselves, as the necessary amenities are in place at the Charles Gordon Market,” he added.

In the meantime, there were reports that the incident occurred on the road outside the market itself, which is another concern for the mayor given that there are adequate spaces for vendors in the market.

“Based on investigations by our commercial services manager, the lady used to operate within the market — and she was very close to the bathroom area — but I’m not sure why she would be on the road. But, as I said, [a] further investigation is being done,” said the mayor.

Vernon said the investigations will certainly have an impact on the wider activities in the market, based on what has happened, as this raises concerns there could be more of such situations occurring.

“We will be looking at the greater market district and how we treat with the situation, because if she is caught it means there are possibly more situations like that — and we have to deal with that accordingly,” he said

“This week we will be doing an assessment of the entire area, doing further investigations, and [will] be taking the appropriate actions,” he added.

Keeping the market facilities up to standard, Vernon said, is something he is keen on because of its importance as it relates to food safety for the consuming public.

“Last year we launched the Safe Foods Programme, and under that we were trying to ensure that all the persons who are handling food are properly trained, sensitised, before they are given any licence to operate,” he stated.

The incident brings back memories of the former crab vendor at Heroes’ Circle in Kingston who was caught on video using a bucket to relieve herself in the same area from which she sold crabs to consumers.