A returning resident has expressed sympathy with the vendors at National Heroes Circle whose stalls were demolished this week because of the visit of United States President Barack Obama to the island.

"The vendors have been selling at the spot before I went to England in 1970, and, when I returned two years ago, I was surprised to see them still selling there," the returning resident said.

The stalls were demolished because President Obama was also visiting the National Heroes Park which is in proximity to where the vendors sell. Commenting further, the returning resident said: "I agree the stalls look unsightly, but who is responsible for the condition of the stalls? It should not take a presidential visit for those in authority to realise that the stalls are an eyesore. The decision should be taken from long ago as to whether they should sell at that location and, if yes, then the authorities should ensure that the vendors put up suitable stalls in the area.

"The problem I see with this country is that they allow things to get out of hand before they take action. This is the reason, as you travel along the highways, you see so much squatting taking place. If those in authority were actively doing their jobs, then as soon as a vendor takes up position at a prohibited spot or a resident builds a house in a restricted area, he or she would be ordered to vacate the area. If they disobey, then that is the time that demolition should take place. Law and order must be obeyed by every resident in this country.

"I love to see when people try to help themselves rather than to sit at the roadside begging or prostituting themselves. I pass by National Heroes Circle sometimes and I see lots of car park up and people are buying from them. President Obama's visit should not put an end to their livelihood because I am sure that, if the president knew before what was going to happen to the poor vendors, then might be he would not visit Jamaica," he said.

In response to his comments, his wife said she agreed that the vendors were doing a worthwhile job taking care of their families. However, she said she agreed that the stalls "really did not look good at the roadside and did not do justice to the park".

The husband, after listening to the news, called his wife to tell her that help was coming for the vendors. He was quick to tell her that politicians had meetings with the vendors. They would be going back to their location on Friday because their removal was only temporary.

"There are times when out of evil comes forth good," the husband said.

When his wife asked what was the reason for such a comment, he said a company had agree to donate stalls to the vendor. "Well, at least the sidewalk will not be an eyesore when the vendors return to their location, as they will have suitable stalls," he added.

The wife said she had many regrets returning to Jamaica because the people did not obey law and order. She said she could not understand why the people had to play their music so loudly, especially at nights. "They know people are sleeping or people might just want to have a quiet moment, but it does not matter how loud their music is playing," she said.

The Noise Abatement Act is still in force, but residents who are being disturbed by loud music at night or day must call police to get them to enforce the law. There are penalties for those who refuse to obey the police when they are ordered to turn down the music or turn it off. If they disobey, they will be arrested and charged, and if convicted, stiff penalties will be imposed.