Crystal Harrison /Andre Williams, STAR Writers

The abandoned May Pen Market in Clarendon has been rumoured to be a sex spot for lovers.

Information reaching THE WEEKEND STAR is that since the exodus of vendors out of the market and on to the streets, couples have been spotted having sex in the vending area at nights.

Several vendors said that the once vibrant market space is now a dilapidated structure that is being used to house hogs, goats and dogs.

"Dat market is like a hotel, mi a get to understand that a night time, all kind of tings go on in there. Man a have sex wid woman, all kind of tings. Remember seh nobody not selling in there anymore enuh so it seem like people tek di market fi do all kind of tings. Dem defecate in the market, have sex in the market and not to mention di extortion," a vendor said.

Another vendor said not only are there sexual activities at nights, but the extortion that was in the market help to push vendors away from the approved selling area.

"Some people don't want to tell you what is happening, sometime you go in the market and a clothes you will see on the line. Dem raise hog and goat in the market. It look like seh people live inna di market. Di tief dem nuh ramp fi grab your chain and run," another vendor added.

Senior Superintendent Micheal Bailey who heads the Clarendon Police Division, when contacted yesterday, advised reporters to call back tomorrow because he was busy.

investigation

Mayor of May Pen, Scean Barnswell, however, told THE WEEKEND STAR that he has received no reports of people having sex in the May Pen market.

The mayor said, "It's the first I have ever heard about that. I have had regular meetings with the vendors and that was never disclosed. What I will do is launch an investigation. I am not aware but I will check on it nonetheless".

Barnswell, however, confirmed reports of other criminal activities.

He said, "There have been reports of some grab and fling that has been happening. There are some young men who grab chains and purse and stuff like that which one can say is common anywhere there is a commercial district, however, we have been in dialogue with the authorities about it."